Ronald D. Swagger

Ronald Dwight Swagger, 69, departed this life on September 24, 2025, at Centerpointe Medical Center in Independence, Missouri (Jackson County). Ronnie was born on August 28, 1956, to Emma Jean Swagger and Lillard Steele. Ronnie relocated with his mother to Kansas City, Missouri, where he lived until he departed from this life.

Ronnie attended Northeast Sr. High School in Kansas City, Missouri, and achieved a GED later in his life.

Ronnie had a relationship with God, in his own way, and was a Christian. Ronnie attended many places of worship but had no designated church home. Ronnie was raised with a full understanding that God does not belong to a church building nor a denomination. He was at peace with his relationship with God. Ronnie worked in building maintenance throughout his life and was employed by Woodley Building Maintenance.

The 1970s was Ronnie's favorite decade; he enjoyed the music, movies, and even the styles of that era, which included keeping his hair long and embracing his unique style. Ronnie was a funny character with interesting habits. He kept his hair on his shoulders and did his own Ronnie thing.

Ronnie didn’t talk much, but when he did, you could expect a chuckle. Once, there were blueberries in the fridge, and he didn’t eat blueberries, so he tossed them out the door. He said to his brother, Mark, “You eat those? I don’t, so he just fed them to the birds.” THAT was Ronnie.

We were driving once, and at the light there was a homeless person. Ronnie began moving around searching for coins, and there was $2 in the cup holder. Ronnie got out of the car and gave the money to the person. He told me the person needed the money more than either of us because we were in the car with the A/C on. We arrived at home, and he said, “Hey, can I get $20?" I just gave away the money “we” had. THAT was Ronnie.

Ronnie leaves to mourn four siblings: Terence (Mattie) Swagger, Kim Rainey, Gerry Allen, and Marcus Sharp; and one son, Tyrone Nakia Shirley. Ronnie never married.

Ronnie preceded his mother in death, and on October 6, 2025, his mother passed away. There will be a joint service.