Curtis "Curt" Jerome Swisher, 77, of Kansas City, KS passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 20, 2025. He was born on August 17, 1947, in the city of Lindsborg, KS, the son of Richard Swisher and Loraine (Donal) Swisher.

Curt graduated from Assaria High School in 1965. He earned a bachelor's from Kansas State College of Pittsburg in Industrial Arts Education and a master's from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Religious Education.

Curt met Jeannie Wigton while in college and they married on June 7, 1969. They had four children—a son and three daughters. At the time of his death, Curt had eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Curt's deep faith in God was the foundation of his life and service. Following a life-changing conversion in college, he answered God's call to ministry and attended seminary. He devoted decades to volunteer ministry work, especially with children's ministry through numerous church programs, and ultimately served as Area Coordinator for Prison Fellowship's Angel Tree ministry, serving several counties in south-central Illinois.

Among his various jobs in different communities over the years, he treasured most his role as Senior Administrator of Contract Compliance at Catholic Charities in St. Louis, where he helped families avoid foreclosure and homelessness.

Curt was an avid genealogist, working on Swisher family genealogy and helping others find their roots. One of his greatest genealogical accomplishments was writing Westward Ho!, a book on the life and homesteading of Jerome Bonaparte Swisher, which he published in coordination with his children. He also built model ships and loved designing realistic scenery for his model train sets. He enjoyed playing games with his family.

Even in his final year at the Healthcare Resort of Kansas City, he remained curious, joy-filled, and engaged with life, serving on the Residents Council and as a resident pastor.

Curt was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Jeannie (née Wigton) Swisher, his parents, Richard and Loraine Swisher, and his sister, Phyllis (Swisher) Ayers.

He is survived by four children—David Swisher (wife Nicole), Cindy Whiteman (husband Trampas), Janelle Wright, and Paula Swisher—eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 1, at 10:00 am at Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Illinois.

Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am with Eric Ayers officiating.

Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery

The family is being served by HERR Funeral Home 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois  62234