David Eugene Werner, 76, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026. His story began in Clay Center, Kansas, on August 12, 1949, when he was born to Elden and Leora Werner, their first son.
The family later moved to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1953, where David grew up alongside his younger brother Allan and, soon after, his younger sisters, Rachael and Donna. In those early years, he became the protective, “cool” big brother, even if younger siblings didn’t always appreciate losing in games and his parents didn’t always approve of his brotherly advice.
After graduating from Shawnee Mission West in 1967, David attended college, worked a variety of odd jobs, joined the National Guard, and spent time living in Denver, Colorado, where he worked as a truck driver. In 1975, he met his future wife, Margie York, through mutual friends in his Kansas City band, Spock. As he liked to joke, they were the final frontier. The band played original music and covered favorites like The Beatles, Chad & Jeremy, and The Who. David had often been told he resembled Chad growing up, so when he became a father in 1988 and named his only child Jeremy, it felt especially fitting.
When he wasn’t focused on family or working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, David could usually be found tending to his yard, fixing something around the house, or, most often, being creative. He painted, drew, and, above all, played music. A self-taught musician, David picked up guitar, piano, bass, and even the accordion—proof he had more range than most (yes, even beyond Weird Al Yankovic). There wasn’t an instrument he didn’t take an interest in…except, perhaps, that one woodwind in the basement. Whether strumming his acoustic guitar or sitting at the piano after a long day, music was never far from his life.
While Kansas City was always home, David also found joy in exploring beyond it. He had a natural wanderlust, sometimes opting to drive aimlessly around the city or countryside for hours while listening to tunes. Over the years, he traveled to places like Alaska, Yosemite National Park, Walt Disney World, Cozumel, Gettysburg, and Washington, D.C., always embracing a sense of adventure. In retirement, he even spent harsh Midwest winters in Arizona at a community where he enjoyed dollar beers and younger musicians who still shared that love of 1960s rock.
David wasn’t always one to go out of his way to please people, but he showed up when it mattered. If a sibling needed help with a cross-country move, a coworker needed a hand after work, or a little league team suddenly needed a coach, David was there. Even later in life, when he couldn’t always lend a hand physically, he was quick to offer advice…or, at the very least, a well-timed dad joke.
That same steady presence extended to his neighbors, where he was always willing to chat, share advice, or connect, especially with neighborhood kids who helped him mow the yard. He had a way of connecting, even if it wasn’t always in the most conventional way. He was a strong and caring son, a protective older brother, a devoted husband, and a patient, loving father. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
David is survived by his wife, Margie; his son, Jeremy (Karra); his brother, Allan; his sisters, Donna (Stan) and Rachael (Rod); his nephews, Mark and Matt; his nieces, Jolene and Megan; his in-laws, Mike and Cindy York; and numerous other cousins, family members, and friends.
A private family service will be held in Platte City on Wednesday, April 22. In lieu of flowers, David’s family suggests memorial donations to the Shriners Children's or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, two causes he continued supporting even in his final months. Arrangements by: Rollins Funeral Home, Platte City, MO.
