Steven Gerald Swagerty, age 77, of Great Bend, Kan. died Jan. 29, 2026, at his home. Born in Amarillo, Texas on Sept. 23, 1948, he was the son of Gerald and Marie Swagerty. 

Steve graduated from Great Bend High School in 1966 before attending college in Oklahoma. He moved back to Great Bend in 1974 where he resided until his death. Steve was an Insurance Salesman for Physicians Mutual Insurance for over 30 years before retiring in 2022. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Southern Nazarene University in 1994. Throughout his life he was devoted to serving others; teaching Sunday School for over 30 years, going on multiple mission trips to share God’s word, helping with disaster relief in various states and the homeless ministry, Beautiful Feet, in Fort Worth, Texas. His faith was evident in the sacrificial giving of his time, gifts, and talents to those at the church and the organizations that he participated in throughout his life. He was a kind, generous, and loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose absence will be felt for a long time. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Steve was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bend, Kan. 

Survivors include four children, Melissa Lloyd and husband, Bill of San Antonio, Texas, Megan Reed, and husband, Dan of Waynesville, Ohio, Chris Swagerty of Great Bend, Kan., and Maranda Miner, and husband, John of Niceville, Fla.; grandchildren, Claire van Wyhe, and husband Matthew, Zachary Dunavan, Halle Short, Joshua Lloyd, Jackson Reed, Grace Reed, Madeline Lloyd, Jameson Miner, and Maddox Miner; two step-children, Jennifer Harris of Topeka, Kan. and William Harris of Lawrence, Kan.; two sisters, Pat Mermis and husband, CJ of Great Bend, Kan. and Lisa Mason and husband, Donny of Amarillo, Texas; one brother, Craig Swagerty and wife, Cindy of Sun City, Ariz., and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judi Swagerty; and one nephew, Bryan Mermis of Great Bend.  

Cremation has been chosen. Celebration of Life services will be held Feb. 5th, 2026, at 11 a.m., at First Southern Baptist Church in Great Bends, Kan. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Southern Baptist Church, 3301 19th Street, Great Bend, KS 67530, for the Steve Swagerty Memorial Fund to contribute towards the Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief fund. For more information or to leave condolences online, please visit www.spellmanchristiansfuneralhome.com/.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Spellman-Christians Funeral Home 

2115 Washington Street

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 3, 2026