Epps Swinton

Epps Swinton Jr. was born on April 26, 1947 in Nesmith, South Carolina to Buddie and Lillie Swinton. Epps is the oldest of 9 children. Epps graduated to Heaven on March 31, 2023. Preceding him in death are his parents Buddie and Lillie Swinton, his twins Harold Edward and Darryl Epps Swinton.

Epps graduated from Central High School in 1965. During his high school years he won the first place tenor rating in the Missouri district vocal competition and advanced to the Missouri state vocal competition where he also accomplished a first place tenor rating resulting in him receiving a musical scholarship to North West Missouri State College. Being a classy dresser, Epps was particular about his attire and won best dressed in high school. Also during high school, he was invited and participated in the Dick Clark, Heart of America Bandstand, which aired on television.

As well, in 1965 Epps married Vera Harris. Their union was blessed with five children: Renee, Harold Edwards and Darryl Epps (twins), Angela and Tyson. He was later blessed with another daughter Tynisa.

Epps first job was with Sears Roebuck. He then worked at Paniplus Plastics in Independence, Missouri where he was one of the only Black Delivery Drivers. While working there, he purchased a “1963” Rivera (white with blue interior). Some of his other places of employment included Western Electric, Bendix, where he worked as an Electrical Engineer, which was a huge accomplishment for a young Black man during that era. Epps went on to become an over the road truck driver. Driving 18 wheelers across the country.

Epps loved sports and enjoyed playing football. He tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Red Skins. He played semi-pro football for the Kansas City Steers as a running back. He also loved drag racing, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals and attended their home games as much as possible.

Epps leaves to cherish his memory, his children Renee Tillmon (Ronnie), Angela Crawford (LeBrent), Tyson Swinton, Tynisa Swinton, grandchildren and his siblings Fred Swinton, Charles Swinton (Michelle), Ronald Swinton (Paula), Annette Rhodeman (Paul), Collette Dooley (Troy), Michelle Sulewsky (Daniel), Jonathan Swinton (Kimberly), and Christopher Swinton (Noelle), Uncle T. M. Snow, great-grand children, nieces, nephews, and a host of other family members and friends.