Mr. Swope was a Naturalist for 15 years with the Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD. He was a member of MENSA, past Master Mason, past Commander of the American Legion Post in Clinton, member of NARFE, member of the Charles County Historical Society, and a member of the Surratt Society. He was active with New Life Church and the Clark Senior Center in La Plata, MD. Through his love of nature, he was known as Captain Crystal. He was a writer of poetry and had published works.

He was son of the late Walter Swope and the late Helen Brown Swope.

He was predeceased by his parents, wife, Maxine Swope, one brother, Harley Florence, and one sister, Cheryl Abel.

He is survived by his one daughter, Vicky Lee Greer of Welcome, MD, one son, Paul G. (Darlene) Swope, Jr. of Waldorf, MD, two brothers, Robert Florence and Lael Swope, both of Missouri. Also survived by 4 grandchildren, Christina and John Tyler Greer, and Michael and Paul Swope III, and one great grandchild, Connor Wright.

A Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2008 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Raymond Funeral Chapel, La Plata, MD.

A Funeral Service will follow on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at 11am at New Life Church, La Plata, MD.

Interment will take place at United Methodist Cemetery, Dentsville, MD. Clergy will be the Rev. Aaron Rummage. Pallbearers will be Paul Goldsmith and Tyler Greer. Honorary Pallbearers will be the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.