Dr. David F. Deily, DVM

Dave was born in Moweaqua, Illinois, on March 16th, 1944, to Harold J. and Audrey C. Deily. His father was a minister, which gave Dave the opportunity to grow in his faith and live in numerous locations and states throughout his childhood. His all-time favorite was Clifton, Arizona, where he cultivated an adventurous spirit by climbing mountains, exploring caves, playing baseball, running a paper route, and enjoying many freedoms.

He met his future wife, Millie, while he attended Southeast High School. His father established the Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church during Dave’s senior year, so he graduated from Park Hill High School. As a teenager, he held several jobs, such as hauling hay, working for the railroad, and cleaning classrooms. During his free time, he also enjoyed riding his horse, Mr. Blue, and raising sheep. His early experiences and love for animals helped him decide to become a veterinarian.

He attended the University of Missouri and was accepted into the School of Veterinary Medicine. While at MU, he was reintroduced to Millie through a mutual friend, Joyce Henderson, and Dave and Millie were married in December of 1966.

After graduation in 1970, he accepted his first job in Owatonna, MN. After several years, they moved back to Kansas City, Missouri, where he worked and later purchased, the Troost Animal Hospital. He later established the Martin City Animal Hospital, where he worked until his retirement. Throughout these years, his calm advice was always available, at any time, to anyone who asked.

During his time raising three wonderful children, he found time to be an elder in the Presbyterian Church, coach premier/club soccer teams, announce Center Senior High volleyball and soccer games, and become an honorary warrior in the Boy Scouts Tribe of Mic-O-Say with his sons and future son-in-law. When time allowed, he shuttled his family and friends to their Ozarks lake house for weekends of fun. He enjoyed taking his family on wonderful vacations in many states, from Maine to California. His priority was always family time and making memories.

Throughout his long and adventurous life, he led by example, instilling in his children a deep respect for both hard work and the rewards that brings. He showed that anything truly good in life is worth working and sacrificing for, in order to enjoy a fulfilling life.

Upon retiring from a successful 35+ years of helping people with their animals, his surgical and stitching skills were transferred to his new hobby of quilting. He created more than 50 beautiful pieces for family members, their pets, and even their dolls. He believed anyone or anything that was loved deserved a beautiful, handmade quilt.

He was a proud two-time cancer survivor, and fought as hard as he could to beat his most recent diagnosis. Dave exhibited a fighting spirit and positive attitude, and was filled with gratitude, grace, and faith.

His voicemail greeting succinctly summed up his greatest accomplishments, humbly stating, “You’ve reached Doc, Dave, Dad or Grandpa, depending on who’s calling.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Millie, and their three children: Tim Deily (Nancy), and their children, Tully Claire and Reedie; Debbie Deily (Josh), and children, Parker, Aidan, and Chloe Clayton; Steven Deily and his children, Nathan and Drew; his sister, Mary E. Mobley (Frank); and his brother, Jonathan Deily (Brenda); and many nieces, nephews and friends. He also leaves behind his devoted long-haired dachshund, Lucy.

Contributions in David's memory may be made to Shelter KC: A Kansas City Rescue Mission, 1520 Cherry Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64108 US, https://donate.shelterkc.org; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, https://www.mdanderson.org; and Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, 7600 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64153 US, https://www.pineridge.org/give.