Erick Wade Swope, 43, of Orange, passed away surrounded by family on April 9, 2022, at his home in Orange.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2022, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange Texas. Officiating will be Kenneth Wayne LaVergne. Visitation will be at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Erick was born in Orange, Texas, on July 17, 1978, he was the youngest son of Patricia Norton and the late Omar “Sonny” Swope. Erick was a graduate of the Little Cypress Mauriceville class of 1996. He was involved in the local Orange Community Players theater. He won Mr. Dance Masters of America and received a scholarship to the Juliard School of Dance in New York.

He is a graduate of SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He received a degree in aircraft mechanics. He went on to work at Northrup Grumman. Later on in his life his work took him on the road traveling all over the United States working on Aircrafts and Military Contracts through the aircraft mechanic trade.

Erick enjoyed music, poetry, history and the Arts. His interests in the Renaissance Era led him to be an avid collector of weapons and armor from this time period.

Motorcycles and trucks were his passion.

As a child he was known for his white cotton top hair. His big smile was contagious. He was an avid hunter and lover of the outdoors.

He was preceded in death by his father, Omar “Sonny” Swope; his grandparents, Margaret and Bobby Erwin, Frank and Iva Swope.

He is survived by loving wife, Karren Swope; mother, Pat Norton; children, Deacon Swope and Kristen, Chandler Swope and Sonya, Ethan Swope; granddaughter, Wrenley; brothers and sisters, Mike Swope and Shurla, Dana Swope, Stephanie Bingham and Paul, Laura McHugh, Mandy Hernandez and Rene, Andy Swope and Dena; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Farque, Bob Erwin, Joe Erwin, Levi McHugh, and Phillip Norton.