We regret to inform you of the passing of one of Maryland’s Finest, Lt. Allen Edmond Swope.
Williamsport, MD – Allen Edmond Swope, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. He was born on May 13, 1937, to his deaf parents Ellen Virginia (Peake) Swope and Walter Edmond Swope, in the historic Civil War Donnely farmhouse near Williamsport.
OBITUARY
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Cheryl Marie (Jacobs) Swope; they were married for 67 years. They married at a young age and grew up together. She was instrumental in every aspect of his life and career and very involved with him in contributing to community service. She was there with him every step of the way. He was also predeceased by his brother John Walter Swope, son-in-law Mickey Knight, and daughter-in-law Ruth Ann Swope.
He attended Downsville Church of the Brethren in Downsville, MD.
Allen began his journey in life early working as a farmhand and as a coal and feed tender at Gowers Mill Station. As a young man, he learned the trade of building pipe organs at M.P. Moller where he became a master pipe organ voicer/tuner. He continued his career as a trooper in the Maryland State Police working his way up to Commander retiring as a Lieutenant after 33 years of service. During his time in the Maryland State Police, he developed and taught the first formal driver education program to the deaf at Maryland School for the Deaf in Frederick. Later, he was loaned out as Acting Chief, Emmitsburg Police Department until the position was filled. He also taught Law Enforcement to military personnel at Fort Ritchie. He was involved in a variety of other law enforcement and safety duties and functions including twenty-five years with the Children’s Safety Village. Allen received numerous commendations and awards.
After his retirement with the Maryland State Police, he worked as a research technician at The John Hopkins University clinic in Hagerstown. Throughout his life, he worked many other assorted part-time jobs. He was quite active in public and civic affairs and belonged to numerous organizations through the years and later in life. He was a member of FOP, MTA, Mediary Lodge #140 AF&AM, IORM Tribe #84, and Potomac Fish & Game Club. He served on the Washington County Ethics Commission for almost ten years. He was a staunch advocate of land preservation efforts at the State and government levels in Washington County. He also served on several Washington County Advisory Boards and the Senior Center.
As a Williamsport High Schooler, Allen walked with U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas who saved the C&O Canal National Park from encroachment and development.
He is survived by two sons Jeffrey A. Swope and John M. Swope; three daughters Jacqueline E. Knight, Judith M. Holt (Peter) and Jennifer S. Schlereth (Leonard); six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter.
SERVICES
The family will receive friends at the Osborne Funeral Home, P.A. 425 S. Conococheague St. Williamsport, MD on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral home will be open after 1:00 pm on Tuesday for the convenience of family and friends. Masonic services will be held at 6:00 by Mediary Lodge #140 AF&AM. The Thomas Pangborn FOP Lodge #88 of Hagerstown, MD will have services at 6:30 pm.
Funeral services will be held at the Osborne Funeral Home, P.A. 425 S. Conococheague St. Williamsport, MD on Wednesday, May 22, 2024,at 11:00 am with Pastor Wilkie Nunn and The Reverend Steven McCarty officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park Williamsport, MD.
Memorial donations may be made to: Hospice of Washington County 1710 Underpass Way Suite 300, Hagerstown, MD 21740 or Thomas Pangborn FOP Lodge #88 P.O. Box 61 Hagerstown, MD 21740.
Online condolences may be made to the family at: https://www.osbornefuneralhome.net/obituary/Allen-Swope
