Lewis A. Dysart

Lewis was most happy to have grown up in the Missouri towns of Columbia, Marshall and Boonville. He told everyone with pride he was a Hickman High School Kewpie. As an active Boy Scout, he attained the Eagle Rank and served on the staff of Camp Manhattan, Ten Mile River Camps, New York.

In World War II he served 3 years with the US Army Air Force, one of those years on detached service with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He also helped set up and operate the first Air Force Radar Bomb Scoring Unit training B-29s crews to bomb using radar at KC’s downtown airport. His military time in Kansas City convinced him it was one of the world’s greatest cities.

He was a graduate of the University of Chicago’s pre-meteorology school, the University of Missouri’s Business School, and the University of Michigan’s Law School. He was the senior member of the Dysart Taylor Law Firm where he served for over 64 years. Many local, regional and national companies retained Lewis as their General Counsel and Board Member. As one of the founders, he served for 10 years as counsel of the Southwest Youth Court. This was a safety and educational program in several KC high schools in cooperation with the Municipal Courts and Police Dept. He served eight years as commissioner on the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Board. He was a long time member and was chosen as a leader of many professional and civic organizations including Missouri Bar, Lawyers Association, KC Metro Bar Association, Vanguard Club, Rotary Club 13, University Club, Kansas City Club, and Carriage Club. He loved his family and friends, his law practice, and was devoted to promoting Kansas City. He continually found ways to help others share his joy of living.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers David D. Dysart and Robert E. Dysart, his ex-wives Helen Crosby Benjes and Jo Wray Dysart, and his wife Sylvia Chapeaux Dysart. He is survived by his children Laura D. Marcy (John E.) of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Kathryn E. Dysart (Jeffrey L. Schwartz) of Katonah, New York, Robert L. Dysart of Laguna Beach, California, his sisters-in-law Mary Dysart and Bonnie Dysart; his step-children Rebecca B. Morgan (Phil) of Olathe, Kansas, Kimberly W. Bubb of Running Springs, California, Blake J. Taliancich (Norma) of Picayune, Mississippi; Marvin P. Taliancich and Tanya N. Taliancich both of New Orleans, Louisiana; his grandchildren John Spencer Marcy, Gregory T. Marcy, Elizabeth D. Hermansky, Emily A. Dysart, and Aidan C. Dysart; his step-grandchildren Jeffrey M. Alcorn, Jenny Jo Lapine, Chad N. Taliancich, Paris L. Taliancich; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for the great support and love from friends including Kansas City Hospice House personnel. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 28, 2015 with visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to service at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64131. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145. Condolences and fond memories may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com.