David William Secrist

David William Secrist, age 72, of Bucyrus, Kansas, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home.

The family is planning a celebration of David’s life for the spring of 2024.

David was born on May 8, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to John and Nina Secrist.

He spent his early life in Detroit. David enjoyed telling stories from his childhood including purposely flooding the back yard for ice hickey and shoveling snow for his favorite neighbors.

The family moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where David completed high school. Soon after graduation, he enlisted as an Army Reservist. David’s duties took him north to Alaska, before he enrolled at the University of Missouri.

David often recalled his summers spent in Aspen, Colorado area in the early 1970’s. There he frequented an establishment where the Eagles played as the bar band. David listened to the Eagles regularly.

He made his way to Kansas City in 1975 for a career opportunity with the Mr. Guy Clothing Store. Another story he would often share was the Plaza flood of 1977, when the water in the store was chest high.

David completed his Business Degree in Economics at UMKC, in the early 1980’s. From there, he pursued a career of industrial sales and procurement. He followed that path until his retirement in 2021.

During his career, David made many friends. He is remembered for his ability to be fair in a business setting with the many companies and suppliers he worked with, creating years long relationships.

He loved coaching his son’s junior high basketball team. Many of those boys are friends to this day.

David spent the last 20 years of his life living outside of Kansas City, on his “little piece of Heaven”.

In 2016, David was instrumental in the creation and completion of HomeTails, a nonprofit dog rescue.

David is preceded in death by his parents, John and Nina Secrist, wife, Diana Payne Secrist, and grandson Duncan Payne Secrist.

He is survived by many who loved and will miss him dearly. Those include his wife, Julie Secrist, brother, Jack Secrist, son, Nicholas Secrist, daughters, Jessica Secrist Moore, Aimee Archuleta, Amanda Bearden, Sara Hawk, as well as numerous grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made payable to your favorite local dog rescue, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.