Warren Charles Swartz

Warren Charles Swartz, 93, of Topeka, KS, passed away May 18, 2023, after a short stay at Aldersgate Village.

He was born July 2, 1929, in Lincoln, NE the son of Chauncy and Irma (Watkins) Swartz.

Warren graduated from the University of Denver with a BS and BA Business Administration, 1953 and worked for Swift Meat Packing Co.

Warren married Zelda "Tag" Price in Denver Colorado on March 3, 1949. She preceded him in death 2020. He is survived by two children, Cindy Hodges of O'Fallen, MO, Lloyd Swartz of Topeka. Eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren also survive. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Knight, in 2011.

Warren and Tag met in a youth group at Warren UMC in Denver, CO. Rev. Dr Lowell Swan help guide Warren to go to Iliff School of Theology on the campus of Denver University, receiving his Master of Theology, 1957. Warren continued his training earning his Dr. of Ministry, 1982, from the San Francisco Theological Seminary. Warren received the Alumnus of the Year Award from Illiff School of Theology, Denver Colorado 1990.

He served in the Rocky Mountain Conference as an Associate Pastor of Warren UMC, Denver 1955-1957. He transferred into the Nebraska Annual Conference and was ordained an Elder in 1957. He served as an associate pastor of Centenary UMC, Beatrice, NE, 1957-1959; Senior Pastor of St. Mark's UMC Lincoln, NE, 1959-1976; Senior Pastor of First UMC Kearney, NE 1976-1987, and Lincoln District Superintendent 1987-1993. He retired from the active ministry in 1993.

In addition to pastoral ministry, Warren has also served the Nebraska Annual Conference on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Commission of Religion and Race, Council on Ministries, the Conference Episcopacy Committee, Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry. The Nebraska Commission on United Ministry on Higher Education, and the Board of Statis and Role of Women. He served three years on the ILiff Alumni Board.

His civic activities include the Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, President of the Pinewood Board, P.T.A. (life member) and numerous others.

Warren has worked part time in several churches since retirement, including Susanna Wesley UMC in Topeka, Kansas where he served as Pastor of Visitation and worked with the older adults in the community. Warren and Tag joined Countryside UMC which was closer to their home, and he continued leading Sunday school lessons and bible studies.

There will be a celebration of life on July 8, 2023, at 10:30 am at Countryside UMC in Topeka, Kansas, celebrating both Warren and his wife Tag. Due to COVID such a celebration for Tag did not occur, and it is just and proper that after 71 years of marriage they are celebrated together. The family is examining the possibility of hosting the service on social media due to the inability of family and friends being unable to travel.

In leu of flowers the family suggests a gift to the Countryside UMC Topeka, KS.