H. Dale Willey
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A bright light in Lawrence Kansas has passed on to be with the Lord. H. Dale Willey, 79, passed August 14, 2020. 1 John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”.
Dale was born July 15, 1941 in Kansas City, MO., the son of Joseph Howard Willey and Geneva Ruth Bollin Willey. He graduated from Shawnee Mission East H.S. in 1959 and he attended K U from 1959-1961. While at K.U. he was a member of Delta Chi social fraternity.
He worked in his father’s Chevrolet-Oldsmobile dealership for 4 years in Lee’s Summit, MO until his dad’s death in 1965. They sold that dealership in 1965. He then worked as a Salesperson for Dave Cross Motors, Lee’s Summit, MO for 5 years. In 1970, Dale purchased the Pontiac-Cadillac
dealership in Lawrence.
He was active in the Kansas Automobile Dealers Association (KADA). He was elected President of KADA in 1991. In 1993, he was voted the Time Quality Dealer for Kansas. He was elected as the Kansas Director of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Board in 1997. He was elected NADA Chairman in 2006 serving as Chairman in 2007.
In KCMO, he was a member of the Ararat Shrine and the Royal Order of Jesters.
In Lawrence, he was a member of Lawrence Noon Rotary Club, a member of Lawrence Breakfast Cosmopolitan Club since 1971. He was presented as a Citizen of the Year in the Lawrence noon Kiwanis Club in 2019. He was also a devoted member of the Tuesday morning Bible Study for many years meeting at Perkins.
Dale had a big heart for children sponsoring 4 little league baseball teams each year in the Douglas County Baseball Association (DCABA), he served on the Board of O’Connell Youth Ranch being elected Chairman. He was a supporter of Family Promise, Lawrence Public Library, USD 497 School Foundation, served on Board and Supporter of the Giving Tree Christian Pre-School
Supporter of DCCA, Boys & Girls Club and Peaslee Tech school. He was very instrumental in the formation of the Automotive Tech program at Peaslee Tech. He was a supporter of LMH Health, Lawrence Public Library, and Lawrence Arts Center
He was a member of the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce since 1971 serving on the Board and as Chairman in 1996. He was instrumental in founding the Lawrence Junior Achievement Lawrence Business Hall of Fame and was inducted as a laureate in 2015.
Dale and his business partner, Greg Maurer, purchased a majority ownership in the Lotspeich GM Automobile dealership in Warrensburg, MO in 2006. He sold his interest in Dale Willey Automotive G M dealership December 31, 2013. He sold his interest in Lotspeich G M Automotive dealership December 31, 2015. Throughout Dale’s automotive career he had one ultimate goal: To sell so many cars he had to call a cab to get home. He got close once or twice, but sincerely appreciated everyone’s efforts who helped him with his goal.
He married Sharon Luke. Their daughters are, Suzanne Willey and Carol Ryan (Wes Ryan). He later married Janice “Jan” Snyder. His step-daughters are Kim Purvis (Dwight Purvis), Laura Carbrey and Megan (Dana) Hiebert. Grandchildren, Michael Purvis, Erin Carbrey, Josh Purvis (Andrea), Haley Ryan, Madison Carbrey and Jack Ryan and Great- grandson, Greyson.
A Celebration of Life service will be held 1:13 p.m. Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the Dale Willey Used Car Building, 2840 Iowa Street. Inurnment will be held at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. With social distancing in place, and masks being required, family and friends are welcome to attend in person or while listening to the service from their vehicles on a radio station provided by Warren McElwain Mortuary. Dale’s service may be streamed live on the following Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100015019777953
The service will also be available at http://Dale.suzannewilley.com
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Family Promise or to Delta Chi Scholarship at the University of Kansas (checks should be made out to Kimball Education Foundation) write in the memo line “Dale Willey Scholarship” and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.
My sincere sympathy to Jan and the entire Willey family! Dale was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed by not only his family but by the entire Lawrence community!
Dear The Willey Family,
The entire community is at a loss. Dale’s infectious smile always greeted anybody he met. He had a wondrous love of family and community, always working for each and both. We always enjoyed talking with Dale and gleaning his wisdom and we will miss the discussions and the smiles. He absolutely will be missed by many.
I am heartbroken! Dale was a wonderful community member. If he was in your corner, you could not lose. He was a remarkable friend to Peaslee Tech, Jr Achievement and so many other causes. He was so encouraging to anyone willing to “get into the arena”. Lawrence will miss him dearly. God speed, Dale. Thank you for everything.
Dear Jan and family,
Our thoughts and prayers for you.
We are deeply sorry to hear that Dale has passed from this life. I know Dale was a man of faith and he is now in Heaven. May God’s grace grant you peace in this difficult time. RIP Dale, my golfing friend.
Dale Wiley gave me my first full-time job when I moved to Lawrence in 1995. It was a testament to his investment in and connectedness to the Lawrence community as my recommendation came from a friend of a friend of a friend of Dale’s. I learned so much about my new community and met so many people while I was there because Dale was dedicated to Lawrence. Dale was a great asset and will be missed. My condolences to all who loved him.
Dear Jan,
Dale was in incredible friend and Christian brother. My heart goes out to you. He was known for his kindness and positive outlook. He sought to have a positive impact on his community. And he did. My condolences and prayers are with you. We love you, Jan!
Blessings,
Doug &Pat Treff
Dear Jan and entire Willey family our family is so deeply saddened to hear about Dale. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I know how much my dad respected Dale and appreciated his opinions.
Our thoughts and prayers to the entire family as many have become friends over the years. Dale was an amazing patriarch for his family and for our community. He placed trust in “me” when he had little reason to do so just from an introduction from one of his daughters. He always treated me with respect and honor. I was glad to know him and he will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Mr. Dale Willey.
Ryan Brittingham
Praying for the entire family and extend our deepest condolences.
Eddie and Beth Diaz
Our prayers are with you and your family, Jan. Dale was such a wonderful person, friendly and caring. He was a blessing to all whom he touched.
Jeanette and George Lippencott
Dale epitomized the word Gentleman. His kindness and philanthropy were beyond measure, done without need for recognition. A Lawrence Icon who will be missed by this City and all he touched.
Dale and I served together on the City of Lawrence’s Aviation Advisory Board for several years. He was a great advocate for the Lawrence Municipal Airport and a dedicated pilot. Our partnership enlightened as to the impact Dale had upon the community of Lawrence, and I learned much from him during our time together. Even during our brief encounters later in his ‘retirement’ mode, his infectious enthusiasm and zeal for life set a standard I wish to achieve. Life is too short but Dale squeezed every minute into making people’s lives better.
Sending my love, prayers, and condolences to Jan, and the Willey tribe. I have no words to convey my sympathy.
Dale leaves a hole in this community that will be felt by many. His generosity was spread to many organizations in Lawrence, and he touched more lives than we can count. I’m proud to have known him. Rest In Peace Dale.
As Dale’s personal trainer for several years, I had the absolute joy of seeing him three days a week. He has made such an impact on my life. All my family lives in Alabama, and Dale has become a surrogate dad to me in so many ways. His belief in me and my abilities has given me the drive to always do more and to not sell myself short. It’s tough to imagine my life without him and I will never stop missing him. I hope I leave a legacy half as beautiful as Dale’s. He will be deeply missed and forever admired.
Carol and family,
My heart goes out to you at this very sad time.
May you find peace and comfort in your wonderful memories.
My deepest condolences,
Kenna Tait
Jan and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you! What a great and gentle man we have lost!
Prayers and warm thoughts being sent to the entire family. Dale was a wonderful man and a generous supporter of many men in the Delta Chi house. He will be remembered for his kindness, leadership and sense of humor.
Dale was a dear Rotarian, humble, skilled, and caring. He will be very much missed by our club and all Rotarians. My husband sincerely enjoyed Dale’s company at the Jayhawk Rotary Club. Like Ed, Dale is gone too soon.
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Dale. A great man and a car dealer. He was a great friend of my grandmother’s from First Christian Church. They all are great friemds of my mom’s folks and Jack Ryan is a great guy and someone I went to school with for a long time too. Prayers for Jan, Carol and the family and my heart goes out to you all as well. Thinking of you all at this time!
The Tacha family has you in our hearts and prayers. Dale was a “force” in this community. We loved being Lakeview neighbors. Dale’s unending enthusiasm for this community was infectious. He did so many things for so many good causes. He was generous, genuine, and gentle. We are grateful that you shared him so willingly. May you be comforted by your many loving memories and by the knowledge that Dale definitely “made a difference for the good” in so many of our lives.
So sorry for your loss! There will be a large hole left by his passing in the Lawrence community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dale was the consummate gentleman and a natural leader. Generous and humble, he led by example and left an impact in his industry and in our community. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. We have lost a really good man.
Sorry to hear of Dale’s passing. Super nice guy involved in too many things to mention. First met Dale on the board of the O’Connell Youth Ranch many years ago. Happy trails Dale.
Dear Jan,
Ever since I heard the news about Dale I can’t get the song,
“Well Done, well done
My good and faithful one
Welcome to the place where you belong
Well done, well done
My beloved child”.
out of my head. Dale always had the biggest, warmest smile and a kind word for everyone. I know how hard it is to lose a loving husband, remembering good times helps so much. Praying for comfort and wonderful memories.
Love,
Dee
I had the privilege to work alongside Dale when he served as the Chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association. On all his travels across the world – he brought his kindness and down-to-earth approach to working with his fellow dealers. The one question Dale would ask each time we saw one another was – “have you called your mother today.” May you now be at peace my friend.
My heart hurts for your family. We have lost a true Gentleman.
My deepest condolences, I will miss Dale coming by the dealership and chatting. Loved his smile and sense of humor!
Dear Jan and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you at this very sad time. Dale was always smiling and upbeat. We remember him with great respect. RIP, Dale
Jan and Family,
Dale was a friend to all and a mentor to many. His kindness and generosity touched numerous lives in our community, and he will be deeply missed. Please know that we’re holding you close in our hearts during this time of great loss.
My deepest condolences to Jan and family. Dale was a kind and wonderful gentleman, who did so many good things, for so many causes, to help so many people. It was a gift to have breakfast with him Fridays at the Cosmo breakfast table. This was a great man who lived a great life. Rest in peace, Dale.
Jan and family,
I was deeply saddened by this news. I owe Dale so much for his support and contributions to my success. Those fortunate to have worked with him genuinely respected and appreciated him. Our community has lost a good one. We will all miss him.
John Ehret
Jan and family,
We lost a dear friend that did so much in promoting the good things that auto dealers do in this country. The auto dealers owe him a great debt of gratitude. He will bd missed by all. Our condolences go to Jan and family. He lived a good life and may he rest in peace.
Dear Jan and family.
Dale will be a special memory for us, as he will be recalled every time we talk to others about what a great community Lawrence is. Thank you for sharing him with us. Very sincere condolences.
Mark and Sandy
To Jan and Family–
My heart goes out to you for your loss of Dale. I enjoyed knowing him and serving with him at church over the years. He was a man who worked hard and got things done.
May our loving Heavenly Father give you His peace and comfort in your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Dale’s passing. He was a kind and generous man. Lawrence and the world have lost one of our best. Our sincere condolences to Jan and the entire Willey family.
I absolutely LOVED Dale! I am so sad to hear of his passing. His impact on this community will last forever. He taught me a lot just by being his awesome self. You are all in my heart. Thank you, Dale Willey!
Jan and family,
Dale lived life like one person could truly make a difference. Of the many gifts he shared, his deep and infectious belief that EVERYONE he met could not only make a difference… but could, in fact, BE the difference.
With love,
John and Cathy Ross
Jan and family,
What a remarkable man Dale was. Such a friendly and caring person, always with his infectious smile. The city of Lawrence will never be quite the same.
Praying you’ll be comforted with wonderful memories and God’s presence to care for you and the family at this time of your loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Maggie Kruger
Dear Jan and Family,
What a great man. Even though I met him as my Dad’s buddy, he always had some time just for me. Always wanting to know how I was doing and how the business was doing. He lead me to step up and volunteer for the Jr. Achievement Board and I loved working with him there. He was a great mentor to my brother Bryan when he gave him his first job in the car business and followed his progress his entire life. Just a couple years ago I rode my bike past your place at Lakeview and the next morning he pulls up in front of my office and gives me a yellow safety vest because I wasn’t wearing bright enough clothing to be safe. We had a lot of great times at the Lake back in the day and I know Dale has tons of great friends but it will be a special moment when he and Chuck meet up in Heaven!!!
Jan and Family,
Dale was a great man and will be missed in the Lawrence community. My deepest
sympathy to all of you. May he rest in peace.
Sorry to hear about Dale. Always enjoyed his company from having sushi or taking John Hadl to lunch. He will be greatly missed.
Jan and family– we are so sorry and shocked to hear of Dale’s death. Such a great guy! We treasure the fun memories we have of the fun times we had with you and Dale. What a special couple!
Sending our love and comfort and thinking of you at this time,
Meredithe and Gary McCormick.
Jan and family, sorry for your loss.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan & Family:
Dale meant so much to so many who met him through the auto industry. I can say that everyone at NADA is terribly saddened by his passing. At all our meetings, conventions, dinners, etc. he was always positive and had that big grin going. Even with his cancer battle, he never seemed to let it get him down. He always went out of his way to see how you were doing, to ask about your family and it was never about him. What a great guy.
Jan and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. Dale’s friendly smile was always present. And he always made time to greet everyone. We hope that soon the good memories will be foremost.
Loved by many, liked by all.
Sue and Brad Harker
I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss in our community. Dale’s contributions to our community over the years has helped make Lawrence the great the city that it is. His ideas, his ability to make things happen, and his unbounded energy will be missed.
When I first got on the City Commission, I met with Dale and he provided me with some great advice and history of Lawrence. Throughout the years I would meet with him periodically and he would always help keep me grounded in reality. I will miss our talks.
Jan and family: I am so sorry for your loss of Dale. This City was extremely fortunate to have him in our midst, and he did alot for out local non profit organizations. He will be sorely missed. Hugs and peace to you all.
What a great friend, and what a great advocate for the business community!! I’m pleased that I was able to visit with Dale just a few weeks ago. My granddad and uncle were “car” men that Dale knew well, so no matter what else we were doing, we always had a lot to talk/laugh about….
Dear Willey Family –
Mrs. Willey was my teacher back in the 80s and was one of my favorite people. We reconnected after 35 years and I am sad to hear about Mr. Willey’s passing – a true force in the community. I wanted to offer my sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the family during this time.
Jan so sorry hearing Dale has left us. A great friend who served with me in NADA leadership. That big smile and wonderful personality made him a natural as Chairman of NADA. He was very proud of you and the girls and talked often of the good times @ the Lake. We will all miss Dale. God Bless you all. Alice and Jack.
We fully share all of the glowing tributes which have been made about the extraordinary fine business leader and person Dale was. It was a shock to learn of his passing at a much too early time. He was truly a pillar of our community with an extremely gracious and caring personality. We extend all our condolences to Jan and family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Dale was one of a kind in the best way imaginable. We first met Dale–surprise, surprise–when we purchased our first car from him in 1980. After that, he was like an old friend; indeed, he was a friend.
The last time we saw Dale was at night in the Denver airport a year or so ago. He was catching a flight home after attending a funeral for a friend. He had taken a red-eye flight from Kansas City to Denver to attend the funeral and his return flight was at night. By the time he would get home it would be 21-hour day. We told him that was a long, long day, and he said, “Yes, but it was worth it.” This one anecdote is the essence of Dale. What a loss to our community.
As I read these messages, I am struck by common themes. Dale was a gentleman, gregarious, an easy friend, generous, a leader, a man of faith, wise, and other sentiments. One cannot imagine Dale without that twinkle in his eyes and an ever present smile. I am lucky and richer because I knew Dale Willey.
I was saddened to learn of Dale’s passing. He and I visited at my brother’s service in January and I thought it was so kind of him to travel to Texas for his service. Dale was such a mentor and friend to my brother, Bryan and I’ll always remember that. I have many fond memories of Dale during my younger years at the lake. He was always so much fun to be around. He raised find children as well. Suzanne was always such a breath of fresh air and such a blessing to my grandmother while at Aberdeen in Olathe. My sympathy goes out to all with love and prayers..
Dear Jan, Suzanne, Carol and Family, My heartfelt condolences are with you all. Like those close friends that went before him, Dale seemed too big a personality to ever perish. He will forever live on in my heart and memories. Much Love, Kari Hardman McCune
To jan and family my heart goes out to you at this difficult time.dale was a wonderful person he also gave me my first fulltime employment back in 1982-1987.I will not forget him he taught me plenty. Hope to see you on the otherside i will buy a cloud from you to get around. Lol will miss you.
dale and i became good buds i was his waitress when he came into perkins for many years with his friend to eat his oatmeal he loved so much and drink his coffee he hugged and smiled and made me feel so special for so many years. i made it on the back stove for him like grandma and he loved it even more. he took my phone number in case he could not come so i would not go to the trouble or if any needed to change days. i so loved seeing him every week. this is so heart breaking he was always working out and eating so healthy. god bless to his family. my heart goes out to all of you. i will truly miss seeing him around.
Douglas Cloud
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Dale.He was such a nice man. May God be with Jan and the children and the many friends that loved Dale
Dearest Jan. I pray God helps heal the hole in your heart that losing Dale has created. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you learn to navigate this new phase of your life. Love you my dear. Lynda Wheeler
The Noller Family:
Our sincerest condolences to your family as well as all the friends , acquaintances and employees that were touched by Dale’s kindness. Our family has always respected Dale as the epitome of an outstanding automobile dealer and civic leader. We know he loved the car business and was a tremendous mentor for many successful people still in the business today.
Jan and family,
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers and good thought coming your way.
Kaye Moeser
Dear Suzanne,
I am deeply sorry about the passing of your dear Father. There is nothing more difficult than losing a parent. My prayers are with you and I hope the love and comfort of God, family, and friends provides you with peace. Please take care of yourself. I will be thinking about you.
With Sincerely Sympathy,
Nancy Hedrick
Jan and Family,
We send our love with prayer. I do not have the words to express my feelings, but in thinking of Dale we send this prayer:
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen.
God Bless…he is finally home.
Laura, Megan, and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss and please know I’m thinking of you all during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
I have always thought Dale was great at connecting with everyone he met, and after reading these stories and condolences, I’m even more convinced of that. He always asked me what project I was working on and what I was reading, and gave me the feeling that he really wanted to know these things! He talked about the unconditional love of his beloved Toby, and now he is on an eternal walk with him and that makes me smile. He was a special man, and will be missed by so many. Heartfelt condolences to the Willey family. Love you all.
-Joyce
Jan, Kim, Laura and Megan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Dale was a special man and always had that great big smile. He greeted everyone as a dear friend. We are so sorry for your loss too soon. Sending our love.
Jan, and Family-
It is with a heavy heart that I wish you Jan and your Family peace with the passing of Dale. I knew that when we came to Lawrence 25 years ago that I had to step up to support the community, and Dale was one of the first to contact me with his vision of what we should do as an organization to accomplish that. Even as we competed in the same business, it never over shadowed his desire for Lawrence to be a better place and us to be friends. I am very happy that I was able to thank him for that and not have regrets after he was gone. Our involvement in a lot of the same organizations made them better, I would hope, but more than that because he was with me along the way made me a better person and made Lawrence a better place to do business!
Our best,
To Jan, Kim, Laura, Megan and all the loved ones who are grieving for the loss of husband, father, stepfather, Dale Willey. i am sending my love for all of you and am representing my sister, Marilyn Hiebert Hanna, and her husband Clint Hanna, and their family; my children, Mary Ogg Hoar and Joel Ogg. We are holding you all close in our thoughts and prayers. Rosella Ogg
My condolences to Dale’s family ,
Remember the great times and the funny car stories.
Rick always enjoyed reminiscing with Dale about the
early days in the car businesses. Dale always had kind
words of encouragement for everyone.
Linda Honeyman
Dear Suzanne, Jan and Family, My thoughts are with you. Dale’s support of this community will be greatly missed. I will remember him as a friend and generous donor. Sincerely, Robert (Bob) Silipigni
Dear Jan and family:
I purchased nine Pontiacs and one Chevrolet from Dale; was involved with him in three Lawrence Business Hall of Fame recognitiions; and was a fellow member iwith him in the Lawrence Breakfast Cosmos for 45 plus years. He was a trusted and valued friend and a shining example of community leadership and involvement.
Sherry and I offer our sincere condolences at this time of loss.
From about 1983 to 1985, approximately, I had the opportunity to participate in a bible study with Dale and a handful of other men, most of them older than me. I was awed to be around these guys and impressed that such accomplished men were searching scripture for wisdom just like I was in my early 20’s. I really appreciate Dale’s example in that and it has always stuck with me. Love and prayers to the entire family
Our prayers are with you and your family. Dale always had a smile and a warm greeting. We will all miss him .
We are so sorry to hear of Dales passing. He was a successful business man but most of all a loving family man. He will be missed.
The Lawrence community lost a great advocate and good friend when Dale left us.
Whether it was serving his customers here and in the surrounding communities, or putting his efforts behind some worthy cause–Dale took responsibility to make things happen and get things done. He will be missed!
I offer your entire family my deepest sympathy in your time of loss.
Jan, Kim (Dwight), Megan, and Laura
I have too many great memories of Dale and family to list them all here. I always thought that he and Franci were alike in their love for other people and the time they tried to take to bless and be blessed by them all. Dale will be greatly missed in our community and my condolences to you all.
“Here’s to all good fellows in this world and the next, I offer this toast tonight, good fellowship is my text…” Dale knew the words well and accepted them at face value, literally practicing what he preached. He was a special friend who always had a mirthful smile. During our association with the NADA and ATD, Dale was a valued mentor who helped guide me safely through car and truck dealer politics making my job definitely easier. My condolences to Jan and his family. He will be remembered.
Jan… Kenn and I were blessed to know Dale from his first days in Lawrence… he and Kenn had a business relationship that grew into to a good friendship that we treasured… we bought our cars from him and shared a lot of KU games and good times. Lawrence won’t be the same without him. He had integrity and Such a
kind heart. We loved and respected him. We send our sympathy and prayers. We had a visit with you and Dale in Branson a few years ago…your love for each was so obvious… it was a pleasure to be with you. Kenn and Sally Ragland.
Carol & Laura,
We were deeply saddened to read the news of Dale’s passing. Bob and Dale started business the same year, 1970, so they shared that special connection. Bob always bought his cars at Dale Willey. We feel honored to have known him and will miss seeing him about town. Our deepest condolences to you both.
I am saddened to learn of Dale’s passing. My sincere condolences to the family. In my first year as Director of Membership at NADA, Dale was the chairman of the board. He was an amazing light that made me feel welcomed and appreciated. I had a huge fear of getting it wrong, and he always treated my like I knew more than him. He was truly one a kind and someone I will never forget. Rest in peace, my friend.
I was a next door neighbor to Dale for a while. Then bought a truck at his car lot. I have a card they used as an advertisement to put in the license plate area for cars for sale. I remember him.