In Remembrance Of
Dearle Wamsley
Dearle James Wamsley, 75, passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2023 in Smithville, Missouri surrounded by his family.
Dearle was born during a blizzard in January 1948, at the home of the local doctor. He was the son of Eunice and Daniel Wamsley, and grew up on a farm in Whiting, Kansas, learning the importance of hard work and the love of family. Dearle graduated High School in 1966 and then joined the United States Air Force. A small-town man at heart, he was thrust out to explore more of the world during his time stationed at Hickam Air Force base in Hawaii and Yokota Air Force Base in Japan. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he returned home to Nebraska and married his high school sweetheart, Charlene.
After the family moved to Kansas City, he completed his education as an aircraft mechanic and excelled in his field. Dearle enjoyed a long career with Trans World Airlines where he worked from 1974 until his retirement. He was a mechanic to his core, whether it be car or plane engines. His skills carried over from his profession, and he went above and beyond in every task to ensure they were completed with such quality they would pass any inspection. This profession ignited the true passion he had for flying – a passion that continued through to the end of his life.
He passed along these interests to his children, starting with them bringing him tools to holding the flashlight from the time they were toddlers and could barely walk. During their teenage years, you were most likely to find them sitting in an engine compartment or lying on their backs under a car with their heads next to their dad’s. They have continued to share his love of cars, being able to fix most any problem and restoring classic Chargers and MOPARs for their own enjoyment.
He was never interested in taking the quickest route from one point to another, always finding the most scenic back roads, coasting over the hills, looking out for wildlife, and the next story to tell when he finally arrived at his destination.
Dearle never met a stranger and would strike up conversations wherever he went. He always wanted to know more about the people he met, and they recognized the pure kindness of his spirit and the genuine interest he had in their lives.
In retirement, he was able to spend even more time with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed talking to his many friends in Smithville and Nebraska, discussing cars, farming, collecting various one of a kind items, and occasionally sharing stories over a few cuss words and a cold Busch beer. He was a passionate gardener, which allowed him to spend time tending to his family’s land and appreciate the beauty that nature provided. His love for the outdoors brought out his gentle free spirit, but he was the happiest in the company of his family and friends.
Nothing brought more joy to his face and sparkle to his eyes than the pride he felt for his children and grandchildren. He would never take credit for the qualities they portrayed, giving credit for their intelligence and good grades to Charlene, their accomplishments to his children, and not realizing much of the gentleness and honesty they demonstrated were a reflection of himself.
During our time of grief, it has brought us some comfort watching Dearle continuing to experience the things he loved the most. He was able to spend quality time at Roosterville Airport and taking evening flights with his grandson who has developed his love of flying. And just a couple of weeks before he passed, Dearle was able to attend a tractor show with his family and demonstrate the knowledge and interest he had in tractors and old steam engines. Despite being in poor condition, he never wore out or became fatigued while pointing out features and continuing to share his interests.
Dearle’s lasting legacy will always be his profound desire to help and love everyone he met.
Graveside Military Honors will be Friday, September 1st at 11:00 a.m. at Leavenworth National Cemetery, 150 Muncie Rd, Leavenworth, KS 66048.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to Charlene Wamsley at Central Bank of Midwest.
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20 comments
Pat and Daryl Walkup
So sorry for your loss April, we did not see this at all. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Adam and Lacee Noa
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, maybe God be close to you all~
George & Lisa Schmidt
We are sorry for your loss. Dearle was a joy to talk to and always had time to tell a story. Which I loved to hear. Prayers to all.
Mary Savage
So sorry for your loss. Hold on to those memories. They will give you peace.
Cara & Bob Walker
Dearle you are family and we loved your stories and I as a Chicago city girl appreciate all your advice on gardening. I will miss seeing you at the hardware store showing me the best plants to buy. Your one of the kindest , down to earth man I’ve ever met . Always good to our daughter and an awesome grandpa to the kids it was a absolute pleasure to call you our friend and family . Condolences to all of the Wamsley’s Love Bob & Cara Walker
Charlie & Sharon (Quigley) Merrill
We are so saddened to hear of my cousin’s passing. We were the same age and, although I did not know him, it is so sad knowing that a family member is no longer with us. Rest in Peace, Cuz!
Elizabeth Foster
Dearle left a generous, kind and capable posterity. What better testament of a truly great man! I am blessed by the friendship of this amazing family, especially his daughter Audrey. I’m grateful for the person that she is and the qualities she gained from her father. She definitely takes the scenic backroads and can fix anything in hearts and homes. I remember years ago being in a terrible bind when my car had trouble. Audrey lent me her car and when I returned, without having even met me yet, Jesse had my car fixed. Dearle taught his kids by example to become Christlike and I will be forever grateful for his influence that has blessed my life through them. My heartfelt love and prayers. I know your family will be together again someday.
Emily chapman
Sending my love to the Family and friends!
I bet my dad Virgil David chapman worked with him at TWA in Kc !
Mr. and Mrs. Terrell L. Watts
Wishing the greatest of Condolences to all of the Wamsley family! May God keep his ever loving, heartfelt umbrella to cover you. During this time of grief! AGAPE! The Watts family
Julia Alderton
After having met one of your dear children, I wanted to take a moment to share my condolences..
What a great legacy you’ve passed down through the years. It shows up in your Son’s as I’m sure it does in your Daughter. What blessings you’ve left behind.
I’m sure you’ll greet my family in Heaven, or the new earth whichever comes first for ya!
Your dedication shows up in their work ethic and their helping hands…
My heart goes out to the entire family…
They shall keep up their passions, steer clear of heartache and be filled with peaCe ..
I’m grateful to have met your one Son and feel treasured to call him my friend for Life…
Mike Snavely
All the family
Mark Hatfield
I’m very sorry to hear of Dearle’s passing from his grandson, Clayton. I have not seen Dearle for years but we started in the aviation business together…both starting at TWA at the same time. We even took flying lessons at the same time, in a Piper Tripacer at the old Fairfax, Ks. Airport…with Dearle’s father-in-law Al Brick as our flight instructor. Al was a retired TWA Lockheed Constellation Flight Engineer and he was a colorful individual just like Dearle. I shall miss my old friend…my condolences to his family.
Gary Watermann
So sad at the death of Dearle. He was a very funny AND a very kind and good man. I treasure the times he and I spent together deer hunting, fishing and hanging out. God Bless you Buddy. Have a “Heavenly” time!! You understand.
Randy Brown
From a friend who loved my music !
Rena and Darin Holben
Our “Geezer” was one of a kind. The obituary is such a great reflection of his love for his family. We were all truly blessed to have Dearle in our lives. RIP uncle. We will see you again when God calls on us to be with you. I know when that day comes you will have even more knowledge to share please Father wrap your loving arms around his family and provide them the peace and strength they need to get through this difficult time. Amen
Carol Simmons
Sorry for your loss .You are all in my prayers.
James L Tart
Good bye for now my friend. I’ve got some great memories of our time while stationed together at Hickam AFB in Hawaii.
My condolences to the family and friends.
BONNIE CHANCELLOR
My sincere sympathy to Charlene, Audrey, Greg & the rest of your family.
May all your good memories comfort you at this time.
David & Janet Anderson
We first met him when they first moved across the street from us. His knowledge was great to hear. Dearle was a neighbor that would say Hi every day. We will miss him terribly.
Dolores Ioder
Sympathy to each member of his family. May you feel God’s comfort and peace.