Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Dover

Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Dover obituary

Jeffrey Lee "Jeff" Dover

Jeffrey Dover Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory on Sep. 19, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Jeffrey Lee Dover, 69 of Ozawkie, Kansas passed away Wednesday, April 2nd 2025 in Topeka, Kansas.

Jeff was born March 12th, 1956 in Lawrence, Kansas to Alfred Dover and Barbara Blatt. He spent his life working as a union commercial roofer in the Kansas City area and in many other cities across the United states.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father Alfred Dover, his grandparents Clarence and Audrey Hummelgaard, and his step-father Jimmy R. Wilkins.

He is survived by his mother Barbara Blatt of Meriden, Daughter Angela Jones of Oskaloosa, 2 grandchildren Dakota and Cheyenne of Oskaloosa, 4 sisters Robin Taffet, Tammy Wilkins, Brenda Decarlo and Bernice Stogner, 2 brothers Jimmy Wilkins and Randy Wilkins.

Jeff was a hardworking, caring and generous man. Growing up he loved to hunt, fish and do everything outdoors. He would help anyone who was in need and he particularly loved to help his grandparents, mother and brothers and sisters. He would always give more of himself and his things so the people he loved could have a better life. Jeff was extremely ornery and he absolutely loved to use that orneriness to make people laugh and smile. He would do anything he could to make sure people around him were enjoying life. Jeff never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and the people he met would instantly be his friends. He cherished his friends and friendships almost as much as he cherished family. We have been told that his friends cherished him for the way he lived and loved the people in his life.

Anyone who knew Jeff for any length of time had a story or two they could tell of him. Some of those stories may or may not be appropriate for this setting. I think it is best to summarize Jeff's life with the following piece of reality. Jeff bragged about the fact he stood 6 ¼" tall, which was perhaps shorter than all six of his brothers and sisters. However, with that 6 ¼" frame he was a big man who accomplished so much and lived life larger than life itself. His life was a troubled, rough, crazy, fun, funny, silly, loving, compassionate hot mess all rolled into one 6 ¼" giant man.

Graveside funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 9th at 1:00 pm at the Clinton cemetery. Flowers can be sent to Rumsey-Yost funeral home in Lawrence, KS.

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

How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeffrey Dover's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Jeffrey Dover's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?