Henry L. Swoope

Henry L Swoope, loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on October 18, 2014 surrounded by his family. Henry was born June 24, 1921 in Louisa, VA. to Henry L. Swoope Sr. and Addie L. Swoope. Addie, a native Virginian, insisted that her first born son be born in Virginia. With the exception of his service in WWII, he resided the rest of his life in Charleston and St. Albans. He was a graduate of Charleston High School and Morris Harvey College. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Margaret who died in 2010. Henry was a member of the Greatest Generation and served as a Naval fighter pilot in WWII. He earned his wings at Pensacola NAS after obtaining his private pilot license in Charleston flying Aeronca float planes on the Kanawha river. He served his combat duty on the USS Santee, a navel escort carrier providing air support in the South Pacific. Henry began his career in the hardware business as co-owner and general manager of Kanawha Hardware, located on Kanawha Boulevard. When Urban Renewal cleared the businesses on the Boulevard, Henry took the opportunity to change careers and began selling automobiles. He was employed by C&O Motors and Tag Galyean until his retirement in the early 1990's. Henry and his wife Margaret raised their family in Charleston and later in St. Albans. He was an active member of Humphries United Methodist Church in Charleston and St. Andrews United Methodist Church in St. Albans. He was also a member of the Scottish Right Masonic Order, Beni Kedem Shriners, and the Lions Club for many years. Henry is survived by his brother Robert L. Swoope of Charleston, sons Jeffrey L Swoope (Jan) of Atlanta, William M. Swoope (Kallie) of Hurricane and daughter Barbara S. Taylor (Curtis) of Hurricane, grandchildren Chris Swoope (Susan) of Augusta, GA., Amy Swoope of Chattanooga, TN. Heidi Cook (Brian) of Georgetown, KY, Kristi Tingler (Derek) of Hurricane and six great grandchildren: Dillon Tingler, Eliana Cook, Ayden Cook, Lexi Cook, Sydney Swoope, and Tyler Swoope. The family wishes to thank the Hospice staff and the caregivers at Broadmore Assisted Living who exhibited so much care and compassion in the past months. Funeral service will be held at 2:00pm Monday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 815 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans with the Rev. Loretta Isaiah officitating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Visitation will begin at 12:30pm until service time, Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Andrews United Methodist Church or Kanawha Hospice Care. Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Swoope family.

Henry L. Swoope

June 24, 1921 - October 18, 2014