Ellis McSwain

June 18, 1957 ~ November 16, 2018
Ellis was born June 18, 1957, in Laurel, Mississippi, the son of the late Earl and Martha Gay.
Ellis was united in marriage on August 1, 2003, to Ann Marie Elizabeth Wilson who survives at the home.
Ellis is a 1975 graduate of Jefferson City High School and 1980 graduate of Lincoln University.
Ellis began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections in 1980. He served in various roles including Probation and Parole Officer in Hannibal, Missouri; Institutional Parole Officer and Corrections Caseworker at the Missouri State Penitentiary; Functional Unit Manager and Associate Superintendent at Western Missouri Correctional Center.
Ellis joined the private sector in 1992 serving as the Operations Director of Criminal Justice Programs for the ACT Corporation in Daytona Beach, Florida. In 1999, Ellis returned to Missouri and the Missouri Department of Corrections. He served as the Assistant Warden at Tipton Correctional Center; Deputy Warden at Booneville Correctional Center and Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center. Later he served as Warden at Algoa Correctional Center.
In 2009, Ellis was appointed by Governor Nixon as a member of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole and later appointed as Parole Board Chairman and Division Director. Ellis retired September 1, 2017 although he continued to serve as a member of the Missouri Corrections Association Board of Directors.
Ellis was a devoted and loving husband and an amazing father and grandfather. Ellis was passionate about life and helping others be the best version of themselves. He was a wonderful cook and enjoyed traveling by train.
Ellis is survived by his children, Brandi McSwain of Raleigh, North Carolina, Chloe Asbell (Mark) of Pompano Beach, Florida, Amanda Matteson (Tommy) of Jefferson City and Matthew Ellis McSwain of Jefferson City; grandson, Princeton Asbell and granddaughter, Piper Asbell.
He was preceded in death by two siblings, Doris and Gregory McSwain.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 noon Friday, November 23, 2018, at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 12 noon Friday at Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home with Rev. George Tyus officiating.
Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Jefferson City, in care of the family.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
So sorry for your loss. Ellis was a friend of mine. We started to work at Probation and Parole in Hannibal the same week and shared an apartment for a short time. Many fond memories. He was a great man.
To the entire McSwain family: Please accept our deepest heartfelt sympathy for Ellis’ passing. For about 15 years he was my racquetball partner. Ellis was a very good athlete and always fun. He always kept everyone updated with what his daughters were doing. Ellis was proud of Matthew for being a good athlete but more important that he was a real good student. May Ellis rest in God’s loving arms forever. Ellis McSwain was definitely one of the “Good Guys”. Semper Fidelis.
This post was dictated by Richard Harris to his wife Deborah:
In 1993 Ellis and I met while working for the Department of Corrections in Cameron, MO. Our personalities were so much alike that we became competitors, best friends and brothers. Ellis started me playing racquetball and as in most cases, the student started beating the teacher. Of course Ellis would never admit it. “I will miss our telephone chats about every and any thing. and hearing you say, ‘what’s up dawg’? I love you man and all of our memories will be cherished and remain in my heart forever and a day”. Richard Harris.
Ellis and I started in the Department at close to the same time in 1980 our paths went separate ways over the years but came back together When Ellis came to FRDC as the Deputy Warden. Our mutual respect for each other grew. I was fortunate to be promoted to Major there and got to work closely with him. A tragic loss of my brother Mark brought us back together and his compassion for my brothers family was heart felt and meant a lot. I can only hope that some of the weight of loss is lifted by the testament of all the people that his life effected in so many positive ways. I will always be grateful that I knew him and could call him friend. John Douglas
So very sorry for your loss. My heart is with your entire family. He was a hard worker and a true leader.
Ann: So sorry to hear about Ellis. I know that he was “the one” for you and I remember you speaking about him when we worked together. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Marilyn Russell
I am deeply saddened to hear Mr. McSwain passed away. He was always so kind. He will definitely be missed. I pray for peace for your family in this difficult time. Catherine J
I worked with Chairman McSwain in the Parole Reentry Program. He was truly dedicated and invested in the program, the clients and the staff. He was a remarkable very caring person who was a joy to know!!! He will be truly missed but the work he did and the investment and encouragement he gave others will be passed on. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. What a tragic loss for all who knew and loved and worked with him!!
I was a collegue of Ellis’ in Daytona Beach, Florida in the 90’s. Ellis was a consummate professional in a challenging position within our organization. He was a lot of fun whether at work or play – we had so many laughs and good times. I was honored to be included in his wedding to Ann in Jeff City. We’ll miss you buddy – rest easy, you deserve it. My best to his great family!
I send my sympathies to the family of Ellis McSwain. He was a very pleasant person to talk with and very sincere in everything he did. It was a pleasure and honor to know him.
I am an old friend of Ann’s, who worked with her on 2S @ St Marys, when we both worked with Ellis’ dear, sweet mother, Martha. When I heard Ann was marrying Ellis, I was so excited. This was SO NEAT as Ann cherished Martha, as I did. We had alot of fun together and I always thought the world of Ann and there really wasn’t many men out there, that I thought, deserved Ann…, and here he was , fortunately becoming single again, when Ann was, what a beautiful blessing that the heavens had in store for them, despite the past disappointments – maybe it all had made sense now? TWO AMAZING souls that were going to be available to find each other. A few years later, I ran into Ann and Ellis at the movies and they showed me a picture of their sweet baby boy. It had been awhile since Ann had a little one, I was thrilled to see them with a baby. Over the years I stayed in touch like we all do, here and there, with the recent passing of Ann’s mother, I would comment on her posts or ask her sister, who I work out with, how she was holding up ? I was shocked and saddened to see that on their sons recent birthday, I saw a FB post where Ann was saying she missed her best friend, especially on this day…, I had to read further because I had no idea what this meant, as I read it, my heart sank with sadness and shock, as I did not know they were suffering through anything. My dear friend, Ann, I am SO VERY, VERY sorry for the loss of your best friend and companion. I am sorry to your son, for the loss of his father, two days before his birthday and so young, and Im sorry for your entire family, Carol , who I have grown to know and love as a member of my workout family and Im sorry to Ellis’ other children and step daughter, Mandy. I am here if there is ANYTHING I can do for you. I will come and do your laundry or just stay with you so you arent alone. The ONLY thing I can think to say is that I am grateful that Ellis didnt spend alot of time suffering, because any amount of time suffering, is too long. As a fellow nurse I will never forget when one brilliant instructor told me something that I would NEVER forget…, She said, ” Vickie, there ARE worse things than death.” As seasoned nurses, we unfortunately come to understand this. As seasoned nurses we also come to understand the five stages of death and dying – and usually that is by personal loss, not even from our patients. We also understand that just because we have the knowledge, it doesnt make it ANY easier on us, in fact, many times harder, wondering to ourselves WHAT MORE we could have done.., the answer is, NOTHING. In fact, the answer to EVERYTHING is – DON’T waste your time on asking questions, because the answer is, it doesnt matter, you will never understand and no answer will EVER make it o.k. If you ever have times where you wonder, ” Will I ever get better ? Will it ever stop hurting? Will I actually be able to smile when I think of him, instead of cry? ” The answer is YES, you will. In TIME. and NOT because time heals you, but it makes you used to it. For now my dear friend, cling to your family and we, your friends and to the memory of one of the kindest men there ever were. May God bless you my friend and may he comfort all of his family and those who loved him, knowing that they will be missing on this earth, an irreplaceable soul. The world became a better place when he entered it and now heaven will also shine a little bit brighter. He left this world the way anyone would want to, leaving it better than when they got here. Sincerely, Vickie Wieberg and family
To the family of Ellis McSwain Jr. I extend my deepest sympathy in the passing of my dear friend. Ellis was my boss at Western Missouri Correctional Center. He was supportive and encouraging to all staff. Even when he left to move to Florida we stayed in touch. Ellis will truly be missed. May God give each of you peace and comfort during and after this time of sorrow. Rest well my friend. Betty Cruse
Dear Ann and family, My heart is broken for you all. Ellis was “one of the good ones” and I was honored to know him, the man, husband and wonderful father he was through Ann. I pray for Gods comfort and love during this very difficult time. Val and Mike Henderson
My sweet Ann, love does not end with this journey. It continues and lives on in the people we love and cherish, in precious memories and laughter. Be strong and know that you are not alone. “They who we love and lose are no longer where they were before, they are now wherever we are…..”
To Matthew: All your teachers and friends here at Thomas Jefferson Middle School are praying for you and your family! May you feel our love and support to help you through this tragedy!
Praying for your precious family! May God give you peace that passeth all understanding!! Sending lots of love and prayers! Xx – Pastor Beeler and Dena (Iowa)
My heart is breaking. Ellis was too young to leave us. Ann, I am praying but call if I can help in any other way. Cindy Stotler Stephens
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Ann, Matthew and family. It was our joy and privilege knowing Ellis. He was such a kind, gentle, genuine person. We will miss his visits to Florida. Lots of love Aunt Dor and family.
I will cherish all the advice and knowledge Ellis gave me over the years working with him. He has paved the way for so many people to come. I will truly miss all the advice and the humble spirit that he had. He was a true friend and a wonderful mentor. I sending my deepest condolences to the family during the very difficult time. I’m sadden that I booked my ticket to go out of town the day I found out he had passed. Please except this in my absents.
Ellis and I traveled many miles together and conquered many dragons as a team. He is/ was one of my greatest friends. We laughed and cried together and even though we drifted apart over the years our friendship will endure. He was my friend ,my mentor and a role model. He will be missed and his value to me will always be irreplaceable. RIP Skeeter, until we meet again.
when I first met Skeeter he was dating my cousin Atletha. They went onto get married and had 2 beautiful children. He was a great guy and a wonderful husband and father. He was a sweetheart with a great personality and he will truely be missed. He would always call when he would pass through Kansas City. I pray for comfort for his family and I send lots of prayers and hugs your way. Rest in Heaven Skeeter!
Ann, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Vicky Becherer
Ann I’m sorry for your loss! I can not put it in words how I feel. You will forever be in my prayers.
Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. OMG! I am still in shock to learn of Ellis’s passing. I first met Ellis in Daytona Beach, Florida when we worked together for years at ACT. He was a great person….so compassionate, caring, professional, gifted, personable, hopeful, kind, calm, courageous, successful, helpful, thoughtful, happy, super, vivacious, distinguished, fun !! There are not enough adjectives in the human language to describe Ellis McSwain, Jr. Ellis you have touched so many lives and will be truly missed !!! To Ellis’s family….. I pray that through all the sorrow, hurt and pain that you find comfort in knowing that he has touched so many lives, impacted so many lives and was loved by so many people; that you know that he is now at peace and is still smiling (probably on a Beach in Florida) and that all of us who knew him and loved him are wrapping our collective arms around you all to comfort you and pray strength and peace for you. Ellis you were a true friend and a wonderful man. It was a joy and privilege knowing you. Charlene Dawson
Ellis was one of those people that stands out wherever he is. I worked with him for a few years at the Department of Corrections, and remember fondly his warmth and ready smile. In a difficult job, he took the time to care for others, which is no small feat. The world is a little dimmer without him in it. My prayers to the family. He will be missed.
Thank you Heather for your kind words, thoughts and prayers.
Charlene, Ellis had many fond memories of his time working for the ACT Corporation. He was definitely one of a kind. Thank you.
Thank you Vicky for your support during this extremely difficult time.
Thank you Bill. From his stories, I know that Ellis shared your sentiments.
Stacy I knew that you would have been there. Ellis was always mentoring. Chin up!
Thank you Alison, Aunt Dor and Family. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers during the most difficult time.
Thank you Cindy. He’s with his mom now. I miss them both.
Thank you Pastor Beeler and Dena.
Andrea I could not ask for a better support system for Matthew during this difficult time. Thank you so very much to the TJ Family.
Verna, three losses in three years is difficult to bare but I will put an effort into being strong…because I have no other option.
Thank you Val for everything…and for your love and support during this most difficult time.
Betty you were mentioned in Ellis’ stories from his pre-Florida correctional days. Glad that you stayed in touch!
Vicky thank you.
Thank you Cynthia.
Randy, Ellis thought so very highly of you. Matthew and I hope to be seeing you soon.
Thank you Debbie.
Thank you Catherine.
Marilyn, Ellis was my knight in shining armor and I miss him terribly. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you Kim.
John it does help to hear the testament of all the people whose lives were impacted by Ellis. Thank you.
Rick, Ellis loved you like a brother. He missed not seeing you as much when you moved away but he enjoyed your jovial telephone conversations.
Ellis was one of the good guys. Thank you Joe.
Thank you Stephen.
Thank you Tracy.
Lit a candle in memory of Ellis McSwain
I was trying to get ahold of Ellis when I learned of his passing. I worked at Sprint and helped Ellis transition from a Blackberry to an iPhone. It was so fun teaching him. He ended up being my favorite customer. He always talked about his wife and his son and he was so proud of them. I left Jefferson City in 2014 and we lost touch. I am so sad to learn he passed. I just wanted to pass along how proud of his family he was.
I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. We miss you every day.
Today is 09/18/2024. I play pickleball every day. Each game we change partners which is frustrating. I mention every day, “I had the same raquetball partner for 15 years. Ellis & I knew exactly how each other played. Ellis was a star on the court and would have been a great pcikleball player”. Ellis you are spoken of highly each day. I miss you & feel comfort that we will meet again some day. God Bless Us All.