Denzel Lloyd Kaiser passed away on February 24 2018. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 11:00 followed by a reception at the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Center, 8745 James A Reed Road Kansas City MO, Rev. Fr. James Hart, celebrant.
Denzel was born May 2, 1921 in Dalton, MO the second son of Alfred (Ollie) and Lucy Cazzell Kaiser. His family moved to Brunswick, MO in 1924 where he attended school and lived until entering the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Emaleta May Sheppard on November 9, 1940 and their union lasted 74 years until she passed away on March 11, 2015.
Denzel was a prime example of the Greatest Generation. Even though married and the father of two children he answered the call to duty by joining the U.S. Navy on December 12, 1943. He trained as a radar operator and was assigned to USS LSM-56 where he served for the duration of World War II. His ship saw extensive action during several campaigns in the Pacific theater and was anchored nearby when the formal Japanese surrender ceremony was held onboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945. Denzel was honorably discharged on January 8,1946 when his ship returned to San Francisco. Denzel earned the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 1 star, Philippine Liberation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.
Following the war Denzel returned to Brunswick for two years, then moved to Kansas City where he worked for the Kansas City Transit Authority. He moved his family back to Brunswick in 1952 while he worked as an over the road semi-truck driver. In 1960 he moved to Liberty, MO where he lived until 2014 when he moved to the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Center in Kansas City. He retired from trucking in 1983. Denzel was a Master Mason for over 50 years and is a Past Master of Alpha Lodge #659 in North Kansas City. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.
Denzel was preceded in death by his wife Emaleta, parents Ollie and Lucy Kaiser, brother Raymond, infant daughter Emily Rose, son Gary, and grand daughter Aimee Jo Kaiser. He is survived by his son Larry (Diana) Kaiser of St Augustine, FL, son Raymond (Lisa) Kaiser of Clinton, MO, daughter Vicki Kaiser of Lee's Summit, MO, and brother Tony (Lena) Kaiser of Independence, MO. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kurt (Katie) Kaiser of Centreville, VA, Kristina (Scott) Cole of Evergreen, CO, Patrick Kaiser of Oakland ,CA, Anne (Eric) Osner of Springfield, MO, Michael (Angie) Kobush of Lee's Summit, MO, and Jami (Matt) Twillman of Lee's Summit, MO. Denzel has nine great-grandchildren: Lucas Kaiser; Kathryn, Callen and Samuel Cole; Andrew and Jacob Kobush; Philippa and August Twillman; and Brock Osner.
In lieu of flowers contributions to the Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Center are suggested. Memories and condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyantiochchapel.com as arrangements are under the direction of McGilley Antioch Chapel, 3325 NE Vivion Road, 816-453-7700.
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