Dale Preston Reith

Dale spent an idyllic childhood in the small town of Blackburn, MO where his family owned and operated a gas station and lumberyard. Dale graduated from Blackburn High School and went on to pursue his bachelor’s degree at Central Missouri University in Warrensburg, MO. After graduation, Dale would pursue a career in retail management first serving in the liquor department, and then eventually serving as the general manager of Red-X grocery in Riverside, MO. He would retire from the store nearly 40 years later. After starting his career, Dale spent the next few years of his life working and raising his two sons, David and Jon.

In his middle years, Dale found himself single again and tried out a new-fangled technology in the early 90’s, online dating. It was here that Dale met his soulmate, Shianne. Dale invited this new lady along on their first date, to meet his newest grandson and other family members at the hospital. Despite meeting this big, boisterous group of people, she still agreed to future dates. Turns out, she’d bring her own group of spirited family members along and the two lovingly blended a motley group of adults, children, and lots of grand and great-grandchildren.

A few words shared online turned into a twenty-five-year relationship. After they were married, they took their newly blended family on their honeymoon cruise and caught the cruise ship bug that would keep them busy over the next couple of decades. Dale and Shi traveled widely and shared an affinity for ship cruises and adventures that would take them to many places. They shared laughs, a big, combined family, and most importantly, love.

They spent several fun years at the Sun City retirement community of Georgetown, TX where Dale worked hard on his golf game and Shi made friends through her affinity for jewelry making. As the years progressed, the two decided that they wanted to return to Kansas City to be closer to family and to cheer on the KC Chiefs. Dale was happy to see the Chiefs get a Superbowl win again after watching the first win on television nearly fifty years prior. He remained an avid fan, even after attending many games of Marty-ball in the 90’s while sitting in the suites of the vendor friends he made through his work.

Dale is survived by his spouse, Shianne Reith. He leaves behind a large family who will carry on his legacy; sons, David and wife, Sheryl Reith, Jon Reith and wife, Deanna Brown-Reith, Kevin and wife, Mary Briscoe, and Timothy Briscoe; daughter, Franki and husband, Teddy Douglas. His grandchildren, Madelyne Reith, Dawson Reith, Tabitha Briscoe, Dexter Briscoe, Jessica Briscoe, Garrett Brown, and Gannon Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Lily, Lyle, and Piper.

Dale will be missed, and a hole is left in our hearts that can only be filled by our fond memories and the hope that his momma is spoiling him again and making him exactly what he wants for dinner. Until we meet again…we love you.