Danny Ray French

July 20, 1939 - September 24, 2023

Kansas City, Missouri - Danny Ray French, 84 of Kansas City North passed away peacefully at NorthCare Hospice on Sept. 24, 2023 with his daughter by his side. His final day was spent with his children watching the Chiefs dominate the Bears.

Danny was born July 20, 1939 in Horton (Brown County) Kansas the son of Shirley Louise Terrill and Ray Harold French. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1957 and attended William Jewell College. He was a member of The Printing, Packaging and Production Workers Union of North America – Local 234 since 1966. He worked at several printing companies in the Kansas City area. He owned Summit Printing in Breckinridge CO before selling the company and returning to Kansas City. He retired from Krug Litho in North Kansas City in 2001.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Victor R. Johnson, Brother Kent T. Johnson, his beloved Jack Russell Terrier, Molly and many other pets.

He is survived by is wife of 42 years Patricia Louise French, children, Christian Ray French, Kirstan Ann Macken (John), Michael David French (Christie). 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and 2 stepchildren, Michelle Renn and Mark Mylar (Molly).

Danny lived in the Northland most of his life. He was a unique man who was always decades before his time. He got his sons involved in youth soccer when it was just getting started in Kansas City in the '70s. He had pit bulls long before they were a popular breed. He was a gourmet cook and was always the primary meal preparer for the family even in the '60's when that was unheard of. Danny's baby back ribs smoked in the Big Green Egg rival any BBQ restaurant in Kansas City. He enjoyed other hobbies including making black powder rifles and pistols, hunting, fishing and gardening. Danny was a fan of all sports, particularly soccer and football. Danny and Pattie traveled extensively and during retirement spent the winters at their home in Carefree, AZ. They were members of a gourmet club in the Northland for many years.

The family would like to thank the paramedics from the Kansas City Fire Department, the caregivers and staff at North Kansas City Hospital as well as NorthCare Hospice for their kindness and compassion.

The family suggests contributions the Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care in Danny's name. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kansas City Star on Oct. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Danny French

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5 Entries

Shirley Groschang

October 5, 2023

Danny and I were married 20 years and had 3 children. I have very fond memories of those times.

Melvin Haines

October 5, 2023

I knew Danny from School years ,and enjoyed working with Danny at Krug Litho for a number of years. RIP Danny

Jerry Rose

October 2, 2023

God's speed fellow Hornet. Great memories for family and friends. There is another void in the Northland.

Debbie Dyer-Sweeney

October 1, 2023

I love this family. Danny and his wife Shirley, at the time, were like my adopted Mom and Dad when I was a teenager.
They had lots of great holidays that they invited me to.
I´ll never forget Danny´s linguini and clam sauce! The best! He also made fresh ground gourmet coffee in the 70s, when no one else was. The best coffee ever! These are the things I´ll always remember growing up around the French family. You´ll be missed, Danny.

Dan C French

October 1, 2023

French Family,

I stopped and read this obit for obvious reasons. I extend to you my condolences and prayers for peace.

Growing up in KC there were only about a dozen other Frenchs in the phone book, by Grandpa came from a family of 13-kids in western Wyandotte County, but he only kept up with a few of them as they all left home at an early age and went to many different places, but we do know they multiplied! In KC, I had heard from a couple of people that there was another Dan (I was Danny growing up) around but had never actually crossed paths, it certainly sounds as though your Danny lived a full and loving life, with many wonderful memories and a legacy for you to take forward.

God Bless You All!

Dan French

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