Danny R. LaFever

Danny R. LaFever, 77, died, Saturday, August 10, 2024 at home, surrounded by his wife, and beloved dog. He had been ill for several years and had just recently entered hospice care but his death was unexpected.
Born December 20, 1946, in St. Joseph, Missouri to the late Richard LaFever and late Ada Richards LaFever. Danny attended Blair Elementary, Bliss Junior High and Central High, graduating in 1965.
Carolyn, his devoted wife of 48 years, son Travis, wife Misty and grandchildren, Brenna and Blake, whom he adored, survive. He also leaves brothers Tim (Cindi) and Jeff, and sister, Marcie (Al). Sully, his beloved dog and many friends and family will fondly remember him.
Danny joined the United States Air Force when it was evident that his number would come up. He served as a security policeman in the Vietnam War. Rejoining civilian life, he was an engine mechanic, repairing all kinds, but mostly large trucks. Retirement from Fairmont Dairy was his greatest triumph. At home and in the neighborhood, he could fix most anything.
Danny was fixed up with his future wife by his younger brother. Jeff, who had asked his high school librarian if she would like to go out with his brother "who had just gotten divorced and couldn't find a nice girl"! Shortly after that first date they married and started their delightful life adventure together.
As Travis, his son, grew up they enjoyed hunting and fishing on father and son weekends, even the time the turtle got loose in the boat! They loved watching old Westerns and the Three Stooges on television. Travis remembers his dad telling him that if he ever went to jail that dad would bring him a toothbrush and a can of Skoal.
After retirement, Danny loved to "freecycle "with his scavenger pal, beating the truck on big trash pick-up day! He never forgot where he found the items, often sharing a funny story about the find even years later. Mornings were usually spent with his 'coffee club' friends at the Y, telling stories. He loved to sit in the garage with his favorite neighbor and shine his treasured Harley motorcycle, Lady. That motorcycle took him on many local rides with friends as well as his three memorable trips to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Several spectacular vacations along the coast of California and later southern Florida as well as motorcycle rides to southern Missouri and Arkansas added to the memories of good times. Danny always planned wonderful trips. He never told anyone how he was able to get into the Seattle Space Needle restaurant without reservations on Christmas Day. Even riding on the back of the motorcycle in the rain was memorable with Danny in control.
In the last few years, he enjoyed watching the History Channel especially UFO shows and reading UFO books. His wife and possibly the two Super Bowl wins created a new Chiefs fan. Playing games on his tablet, smoking meat and making bread after reading cookbooks for the recipes filled his days. Throughout the years he always had and loved his dogs and they loved him.
The family would like to thank his doctors and for a short time, Kansas City Hospice. He requested cremation and no service. A celebration of Danny's life for family and friends will be Sunday, September 8, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Senior Star at Wexford Place in the Stratford room, 6500 N Cosby Ave, Kansas City, MO 64151
Say "I love you" while you can!
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his name to:
Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter # 317
3027 Walnut St
Kansas City, MO 64108
(They saved his life!!!)
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter
1356 MO- 9
Parkville, MO 64152
(They save dogs!!!)