Dale Ek

Dale Emery Ek, 79, of Independence, MO passed peacefully at home on March 2, 2011 of Parkinson's disease. He was born in Independence on September 1, 1931 to Emery Ole Ek and Henrietta Elizabeth (Shawhan) Ek. He attended East High School, Central Missouri State University; and received his engineering degree from Finlay Engineering College. Dale was a member of the American Society of Lubrication Engineers and a registered Professional Engineer. Dale's career at Armco Steel spanned 32 years – working as a Mechanical / Safety / Lubrication Engineer. Retiring early allowed him to enjoy his children and grandchildren; his love of fishing, hunting, boating and his home at the Lake of the Ozarks. He enjoyed traveling/camping with his family. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Independence as Elder, Deacon and Trustee; giving him the honor of participating in the baptism of four grandsons. He enjoyed participating in Boy Scouts with his sons as an Assistant Scoutmaster. He is survived by his wife, Janice; children: Linda (Jim) Ebert of Lone Jack; Dale Anne (Don) Blystone-Sanders of Independence; Katharine (Brad) Mimlitz of Park City, UT; Timothy Ek of Independence; John Emery Ek of Kansas City; Kathleen (Ernie) Libby of Brookfield; Kris (Shane) Rumsey of Kansas City; Tom (Lani) Mayhew of Independence; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include his brother, Robert Henry (Pat) Ek of Kansas City and his former wife, Lela Ek of Grain Valley. A visitation will be held from 1-2:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. service to follow on Saturday, March 5, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO. A graveside service will follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Parkinson's Research, checks payable to KU Endowment, memo: Parkinson’s Disease, Mail to: Rajesh Pahwa MD, 3599 Rainbow Blvd., Mail Stop 2012, Kansas City, KS 66160 or Groves Community Hospice, 1515 W. White Oak, Independence, MO 64050.