Dale Porter Minnis, Jr. of Independence, Missouri passed away on September 22, 2026 at the age of 72 from heart disease.
Dale was the first child born to Dale Porter Minnis and Esther Fern Minnis on April 19, 1954 in San Diego, California while his father was stationed in San Diego. After his father left the service the family moved to Independence, Missouri where Dale lived as a child and adult. Dale graduated from Truman High School of Independence, Missouri in May of 1972.
Dale was a member of the Boy Scouts of America and received his Eagle Scout badge. He loved to tinker with things, taking things apart like a radio to either fix or see how it worked. He was taught a good work ethic and carried that ethic throughout his life. He began working in retail at the age of 16 and continued for years in retail management. As a young adult he went back to school at DeVry University and studied computer science. Even though Dale did well in his classes and graduated, he preferred to work in construction. He worked with a builder in Independence, Missouri for years and then contracted himself out in construction, painting, decking, fencing and later property maintenance.
Dale loved his family. Dale had two boys, Sean and Cody. He enjoyed hunting at the family farm and fishing with his sons and father. A favorite fishing area was Bennett Springs, Mo. Dale was content at being a home body, attending activities of his children and grandchildren, enjoyed family gatherings, and was content in having the simple things in life. Dale was kind, helpful, honest and sometimes stubborn. Dale loved home-baked goods, especially the chocolate cake and down-home cooking. He also loved dogs, and had a very special German Shepherd named Kiser.
Dale was survived by his mother, Esther Fern Minnis, sisters Sheila K. Dotson and Pamela S. Whitesell (husband Stephen), son Sean Christopher Minnis (spouse Christie), son Cody Michael Minnis (spouse Jenna), three wonderful grandchildren Maci, Myla and Mason, two nieces Chelsea and Amanda, and the sons’ mother Susan Minnis-Slinkard.
