Earl David Engelbrecht

Earl David Engelbrecht of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026.

Born September 10, 1949, in California, Missouri, Earl was one of six children born to Leo and Lucy Spears Engelbrecht. He is survived by his sisters, Anna Strother, Linda Gillilan, and Carol Hall. His brother, Don Engelbrecht, and sister, Betty Kirchoff preceded him in death.

Earl was the devoted husband of his high school sweetheart, Deborah Hughes. They married on December 27, 1969, and shared a life filled with road trips, pool parties, and family gatherings. The family they built together remained at the center of Earl’s life.

After graduating from California High School in 1967, Earl earned a degree in finance from Central Missouri State College in 1971. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a first lieutenant in the military police in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Earl enjoyed a successful 40-year career as a commodity broker, bringing to his work the strong work ethic he had developed growing up on his family’s farm. As a boy, one of his responsibilities was milking the cows, a task that instilled in him a lifelong habit of rising early. He began each day with his familiar declaration: “Here I go, watch my smoke.”

An avid sportsman, Earl enjoyed everything from chasing birds through the fields to competing on the basketball court. He passed his love of basketball on to his children, coaching both his son’s and daughter’s teams. A devoted Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan and Kansas City Royals season ticket holder, Earl loved following his favorite teams, but his favorite court or field was always the one where his grandchildren were playing.

Earl was also a talented woodworker who shared his craft generously, gifting countless handmade pieces to family and friends. His generosity extended to everyone who entered his home, where he was the consummate host. He went out of his way to ensure that everyone felt welcome, comfortable, and well fed. He delighted in making people feel at home, whether by sharing a good meal, offering a place to relax, or sending them home with something he had made by hand.

Earl is survived by his wife, Deborah; his son, Nicholas, and daughter-in-law, Sabra Blaine Engelbrecht, of St. Louis, Missouri; his daughter, Lora Engelbrecht Sebold, of Oakville, Missouri; and his six grandchildren: Savannah, Sarah, Sidney, and Sutton Sebold, and Dawson and Leo Engelbrecht. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Dale Sebold.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs. Visitation will precede the service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, Missouri, or to the Hughes/Sebold Scholarship Fund at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri.