Pastor David Swann, a devoted spiritual leader and cherished member of the New Mexico community, passed away on February 12, 2026, at the age of 67, in a car accident.
The details surrounding his untimely death have not yet been disclosed, leaving family, friends, and congregants in mourning.
Born on December 6, 1958, Pastor Swann spent more than 40 years serving people through his ministry, impacting countless lives with his faith, compassion, and joyful spirit.
He served as a pastor at Legacy Church, including its Carlsbad Campus, where he helped start the daycare program and created a welcoming environment for families. His leadership, humor, and dedication left a lasting mark on the community.
Pastor Swann was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He married Jan Swann in September, and their brief time together was filled with deep love.
He is survived by his parents, Terry and Shirley Swann; his children, Aubrey Day, Janae Swann and Jan’s six children and one grandchild, Jason and Ginny Swann and their three sons, Joy and Dustin Handley and their four children, and Jocelyn and Hadley Howe and their four children; and his siblings, Deborah and Bob Lowrey, Stormy and Shelly Swann, and Ginger and Robert Cochran.
Friends, neighbors, and church members have shared heartfelt memories of Pastor Swann.
One loved ones recalled,
“I met David Swann when we lived next door to his family when I was 5 years old. He was in high school and the quarterback for the Clovis Wildcats. The funniest thing I remember is one day I went next door to see if his youngest sister Ginger could play and their mom was doing laundry. There was a funny-looking item in with the socks and underwear, and I asked what it was. David told me it was his summer underwear. A few minutes later I found out it was his athletic support, or better known as a jock strap. I still laugh about it to this day.”
The same friend reflected on Pastor Swann’s larger impact:
“I can’t help to think about the legacy he leaves and that the lives he touched through his ministry, whether directly or indirectly, could very well be into the millions worldwide. Only God knows that. He was not perfect or Superman. He was human. He beat cancer several times, but accidents happen in the blink of an eye. His body may be gone, but his legacy lives on. I am blessed to have known him, and to call him friend and Pastor. He will be missed.”
Church members also shared their grief and gratitude. One noted:
“Pastor David served as our Legacy Church Carlsbad Campus Pastor and was a great friend to our church and our pastor. He loved Jesus, he loved people, and his faithful leadership left a real impact on so many lives across our state. We are grateful for him. Please keep his family and loved ones in your prayers during this time.”
Another friend remembered his contributions to the church community:
“We lost a very good Pastor, friend, and mentor Thursday night. Pastor David Swann helped us get the daycare started and started Legacy in Carlsbad. In my culture, they say when it rains after someone dies, it’s because that was a very good person and God is washing their footprints off Earth in total acceptance of that person. It rained in Carlsbad yesterday! I know Heaven is ringing in ‘shama-lama-ding-dongs’ from now on. We’ll miss you Pastor, but we’ll continue our lives in the way you taught us. It’s going to be a rough few days. Highs and lows, but we got this! Glory to the highest! Thinking and praying for you, Jan Shelton, his beautiful wife. They were married such a short time, but he loved her deeply!”
Pastor Swann’s legacy continues through the lives of his family, congregation, and community.
Services to celebrate his life will be held at Legacy Church in Clovis, NM, on Thursday, February 19, at 10 a.m., with arrangements entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home. Donations in his memory may be made to Dream Center Dallas, and the service will be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person.
As the New Mexico community mourns the loss of a beloved pastor, mentor, and friend, people remember not only his ministry but also his laughter, love, and the countless ways he touched their lives.
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