Dale Leon “D.L.” Weeks, Jr., died Wednesday, December 5 at North Kansas City Hospital.

The son of Dale Leon and Alta Mae Burns Weeks, D.L. was born on April 5, 1951 in Emporia, Kansas and was a graduate of Emporia High.  He married Sandra Sue McCullough on August 30, 1971. Sandy survives him.

A U.S. Army veteran, D.L. served at a base in Hawaii during the Vietnam era.  Following his honorable discharge, he and Sandy returned to Emporia where DL worked as a fork lift operator until he became disabled with COPD. The couple moved to Gladstone, Missouri in 2012 for Sandy’s current job.

D.L and Sandy had 4 children. Daughter Danielle Lyn Weeks died in 1988, with her loss being D.L.’s greatest heartbreak. His parents also preceded him in death. 

D.L. is survived by 3 children: daughter Nicole Anderson and Jonas Rodriguez; daughter Michelle Barnett and spouse Travis; and son Shawn Weeks and spouse Shannon.  He leaves seven grandchildren—Tyler Baker; Haley Barnett and fiancée Eddie Acosta; Dylan, Alex, and Logan Anderson; and Gwen Schmitz and Gavin Weeks.  His devoted dogs Fred, Skeeter, Poncho, and Sugar also survive. 

D.L. was beloved by Sandy’s family.  His in-laws, Wayne and Jean McCullough, preceded him in death.  He is survived by his siblings-in-law Linda and Warren Wood; Jan Ralston; David and Joyce McCullough; Lisa Gurney and Lance Dale; Marion “Dutch” and Judy McCullough, and Evelyn Escudero as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A family man, nothing gave D.L. greater pleasure than being with his loved ones.  In his pre-COPD years, he was an outdoorsman and enjoyed gardening, swimming, camping, and fishing.  He continued to love the garden and enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels.  He was a model railroad enthusiast and spent hours assembling trains and landscapes.  His favorite activity throughout life was being with family and friends.  He will be greatly missed and always remembered.

D.L. has been cremated.  Details of his memorial service will be announced at a later date.  D.L. loved flowers, but the family also suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association.  Condolences can be sent to Sandy’s home at 1103 NE Cowden, Gladstone, MO 64118