Derrell Alton Sweem

Derrell Alton Sweem died in Montecito, Ca. on October 22nd, 2024 at the age of 95. He was born on December 23rd, 1928 to Frank and Margaret (Swinney) Sweem in Kansas City, Missouri.  He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Joan and many wonderful dogs.  He leaves  his wife, Pat (Bowden) Sweem, his daughter Leslie Bhutani and her husband Ashish Bhutani, his son Todd, and his grandchildren:  Lane Bhutani, Chris Bhutani and  Michael Dibben.

He was raised mostly in Kansas City, Kansas and graduated from Argentine High School in 1946.  He served in the Army during the Korean War and attended Military Intelligence School and was assigned to G-2 of the 43rd Infantry Division . He graduated from Kansas University with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1957. He and Pat married in 1958. Over the years he worked for Western Union, Stowe Hardware, The Rock Island Railroad, Armco Metal Products, and was a consultant with Environmental Audits, Inc.  He operated several real estate firms and partnerships and developed several subdivisions.  He was a partner in a construction firm which sold and installed metal buildings.

Daughter Leslie enticed Derrell and Pat to move to Montecito, and they immediately fell in love with the Montecito Oaks neighborhood and all things California, and where wife Pat and son Todd helped him with landscaping along a busy street at the back of their property.  He had lots of assistance from neighbors and his property manager, Antonio Montoya, and it was the source of much pleasure. He also took pride in his gardens and in discovering new varieties of succulents.

Derrell was very fond of his fraternity brothers at Kansas University and stayed in close touch with many of them until the end of his life.  He had a devoted family, most especially his amazing wife and companion of 67 years, and he was happiest when surrounded by them and watching KU win a basketball game.

May he rest in peace.