Dallas Linnens DuFriend

July 24, 1943 – February 3, 2026

Belton, Missouri

Dallas Linnens DuFriend, 82, of Belton, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, surrounded by his wife and children.

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His Life Story

Dallas was born on July 24, 1943, in Newton, Kansas, to James Max DuFriend and Ellen Jane (Linnens) DuFriend. One of six siblings, he grew up with an adventurous spirit that would define the rest of his life. He graduated from Newton High School in 1962. After high school, he spent a year traveling over 50,000+ miles throughout California, driving a truck pulling a race car trailer and working as a racing assistant and mechanic for John Wiebe’s Top Fuel Nitro Racing.

In December 1967, Dallas was drafted into the United States Army, serving as a 68G2P Aircraft Frame Repairman. In 1968, he received orders for Vietnam; however, due to misplaced medical records during mobilization, he was rerouted to Germany and stationed at a forward operating base in Frankfurt. There, he led soldiers in physical training and daily operations before returning stateside to complete his service at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he assisted as a jump instructor for incoming soldiers. He was honorably discharged on July 8, 1969.

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A Love Story Written in Water Balloons

Upon returning to Newton, Kansas, after his discharge from the Army, on a warm summer’s night fate intervened in the most unforgettable way. Cheryl, cruising Main Street with a friend and armed with a box of water balloons, launched one that struck Dallas square in the face as he leaned out a car window adjusting the antenna. Dallas and his friend gave chase — and the rest was history.

Dallas and Cheryl were married on July 1, 1972. They faithfully kept their promise to love one another until death parted them, sharing 53 devoted years of marriage.

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A Life on the Road, and a Life of Service

Dallas built a long and respected career in trucking, proudly serving as a member of the Teamsters Union for 28 years. Known on the CB radio by his handle “DooLittle,” he began at Evans Warehouse in Newton before spending the majority of his career with Dillons, which relocated his family to Hutchinson, Kansas. Over 23 years with Dillons, he became known not only for his professionalism but for his compassion.

Letters of appreciation were frequently sent to headquarters from travelers he had assisted along the road. In one notable instance, he courageously intervened to help a stranded van of church women being harassed alongside the road. Dallas was never too busy to lend a helping hand.

Following the dissolution of Dillons’ trucking division, he moved his family to Kansas City and completed his career with Yellow Freight, retiring in 2003.

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Never Met a Stranger

Dallas often introduced himself with a smile, saying, “The name’s Dallas, like in Texas.” His last name, Du“Friend,” embodied who he was: a true friend to all.

His children fondly remember family road trips across the country in their red van with a silver stripe, AKA the Coca-Cola van. With his CB radio crackling, he loaded up Cheryl and their four children for adventures to Sequoia National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Mount Rushmore, Royal Gorge, Route 66, Pikes Peak, and countless other destinations.

Dallas was always ready for an adventure with his family, but also with the intent of assisting down-in-the-luck travelers. Whether picking up hitchhikers, giving stranded families gas money, or extra sandwiches from the family cooler, Dallas was always aiding other travelers to their next destination.

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Hospitality as a Calling

Dallas loved the Kansas State Fair and could spend several entire days there talking, laughing, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones. In later years, he enjoyed attending car shows and could name nearly every make and model of the classics on display. Wednesdays were reserved for what his family teasingly called “Men’s-Day Wednesday,” when he met friends from church for breakfast or lunch — a weekly highlight he never missed.

Dallas served faithfully as a deacon and on the church security team. Whether at church, Home Depot, or Culver’s (some of his favorite places to go), he was always greeted by name.

Hospitality and generosity were the embodiment of who Dallas was created to be. He befriended those others overlooked. One man in particular was shunned because of his appearance and odor, but Dallas welcomed him into his home and life and taught his children to be kind to others, regardless of the person’s circumstances.

In yet another situation, he was planning on selling a car for money, but instead he ended up giving the car to a stranger in need. He provided gas money to stranded families, shared food freely, and drove countless people to the airport, day or night, so they could avoid long-term parking and have the ease of being dropped off right at the gate. He drove and assisted people to doctor’s appointments and church outings, always with a smile and a servant’s heart.

He quietly lived out Hebrews 13:2:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

And Matthew 25:40:

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Dallas always looked for opportunities to meet people’s needs physically, which simultaneously met their spiritual needs on an unparalleled level. Dallas put countless thousands of miles of driving in, most of which always included looking for ways to come to the aid of others, but to him, he was just doing what he was created to do.

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Faith and Promise

His family finds comfort in knowing Dallas had a personal relationship with his Creator and Savior. They hold fast to the promise of Matthew 25:21:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

They rejoice in knowing he now walks free of pain in the presence of his Heavenly Father.

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Family

Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, James Max DuFriend and Ellen Jane (Linnens) DuFriend.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl DuFriend; his children, Darci (Curt) Rodriguez, Aimee (Jon) Wiggins, Dierdre (Josh) Chaney, and Nathaniel (Courtney) DuFriend; his grandchildren, Alexis (Nathan) Butterfield, Haley Mullen, Kinsley Brooks, Harper Rodriguez, Dalton (Brittni) Rodriguez, Connor Wiggins, Chloee (Ben) Leidig, Claire Wiggins, Gage Chaney, Gunner Chaney, Honor Chaney, Hayden DuFriend, Layken DuFriend, Hadley DuFriend, Deklin DuFriend, Braden Thoden, Mason Thoden, and Ashton Thoden; his great-grandchildren, Elsie Butterfield, Goldie Butterfield, Beau Butterfield, Liam Rodriguez, and Lux Rodriguez; and his siblings, Janelle (Ken) Walsh, Jim (Darren) DuFriend, David (Suzanne) DuFriend, Jennifer (Butch) Hammett, and Denise Nail.

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Celebration of Life

A celebration of life will be held in April, with the date to be announced to allow out-of-town family time to make arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Purple Heart Foundation.

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A Special Thank You

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Jon and Aimee Wiggins and Nathan DuFriend for their compassionate care and unwavering support during Dallas’ final months. Dallas’ children also wish to honor their mother, Cheryl, for her tireless devotion and selfless care over the last five months — embodying Proverbs 31:25:

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”