Chalmer Dale Moran, age 84, affectionately known as "Dale", of Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away March 25, 2020, at John Knox Village Care Center in Lee’s Summit, MO. Dale was born December 5, 1935 in Boonville, MO to Edward Joseph and Grace Mae (Mitchell) Moran. His family moved to Kansas City, MO while he was a young child. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Dale grew up in the south Kansas City area, graduating from Southeast High School in 1954. Throughout high school, Dale was dubbed “Dale Duck” or as his Sister Evelyn lovingly called him, “Ducky” in reference to the Green Duck Tavern (26th and Prospect, KCMO) owned at that time by his father, Ed Moran.
Before graduation, Dale worked part time for the US Postal Service on what later turned out to be a 38 year career. He was most recently honored in October 2019 for having completed 60 years of loyal and dedicated service to the National Association of Letter Carriers.
During his employment with the US Postal Service, Dale also enlisted in the US Naval Reserve and proudly served under mobilization orders for active duty in August 1959 until March of 1965. He and his family then departed for Lee’s Summit in 1968 having to stay temporarily with “Uncle” Hal and “Aunt” Lori Cook (Danny, Wanell & Tammy) while awaiting construction of the family’s new home.
Throughout his adolescence and adult life, Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing in Arkansas with his infamous “Uncle Herb” (Herbert Mitchell of Melbourne, AK). He also enjoyed his hobby of building and flying “fly by wire” airplanes; which later during his retirement years, he returned to this passion with modern “wireless” models. He was also a self-taught guitar player and song writer finding a unique way to incorporate family, friends and neighbors into all his songs and music including his one hit wonder entitled “You Left Me Crying”.
While serving as a role model and father figure for neighboring youth and relatives, Dale was active in little league baseball during the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s coaching championship teams in the Southeast Baseball League (Wornall Bank with Matt Rizzo Sr. & Larry Kinnison), the 3&2 Baseball League (Raytown Bank) and SKCAA (Jerry’s Sport Shop).
He was a co-founder of the South Kansas City Athletic Association (SKCAA) in Martin City, MO with Norman Sousley and former Southeast Baseball League founders. He also worked for the Kansas City Chiefs at the old Municipal Stadium when they first relocated to Kansas City and also worked for the KC Blues minor league hockey team at the Municipal Auditorium in the 1960’s.
After retirement from the US Postal Service in the early 90’s, Dale embarked on “part-time” job that turned into a 20+ year career while working with the ADESA Auto Auction in Lee’s Summit. He loved driving customers from KCI to the auctions before succumbing to Dementia in 2014. Prior, Dale enjoyed attending Royals games with family and especially loved sitting in the “Crown Seats” and the Royals Stadium Club.
Dale is survived by his Wife of 62 years, Catherine "Cathy" (Hudson) Moran, 2 Sons: Lawrence Moran and his wife Janet of Leawood, KS and Patrick Moran and his wife Cheryl, of St. Louis, MO; 2 grandchildren: Rachel Nicole and Thomas Dale; 2 Sisters: Evelyn Clemence and her husband David, of Kansas City, MO and Beverly Michael and her husband Dennis, of Grandview MO; along with many extended family members throughout the greater Kansas City area.
At this time, no service or visitation will be held. However, please check back as a “Celebration of Life” will be planned at a future date.
The family appreciates all condolences and fond memories shared here on Dale's webpage. Thank you in advance. Many blessings to each of you.
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