Joey Van Wey

Joey was born September 4, 1983 in Overland Park, Kansas to George & Jody Van Wey. He passed away February 17, 2008 at the home. Joey started playing T-ball with the YMCA at the age of 5, and moved through coaches’ pitch to little league with the Independence Youth Athletic Association. He played soccer with the YMCA, known on his team as “Joey the Foot.” He also played flag football in local youth leagues and enjoyed his time with the Independence Huskers. Athletics soon gave way to Joey’s other talent, the theatre, where he starred in several productions of the Children’s Performing Theatre, including “Frosty the Snowman” and “Clowns.” Joey really found his niche when he joined the Young Marines of Kansas City. He progressed up through the organization to the rank of Staff Sgt, and always considered himself a Marine. He was the platoon commander when he was “honorably discharged” at the age of 18. Joey is an Eagle Scout through Troop 383 in Independence, and a Tom-Tom Beater in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, with the tribal name of Painter of the Sun. Joey was a senior at UCM-Warrensburg and was scheduled to graduate in May with his bachelor degree in fine arts. Joey was preceded in death by his younger brother Mikey, who died in 2002. Joey never stopped missing his baby brother. Joey was also preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Chris Butler and his paternal grandparents, Irvin and Genevieve Van Wey. Left behind to mourn & miss him are his mother & step-father, Jody Van Wey & Allen Fails of the home; father George Van Wey, of Lincoln, Missouri; stepbrother Drew Fails of St. Joseph, MO; stepsister Heather Fails of Denver, Colorado; grandmother Ruth Butler of Stockton, MO; and girlfriend Mandy Barnes of Independence. Joey also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends who will miss him. A memorial visitation will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 22, at the First United Methodist Church of Blue Springs, MO. A Mic-O-Say service and memorial service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at the church. The family requests contributions in lieu of flowers, to the, Lone Bear Council Ring fund, in care of the Heart of America Council, BSA, 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City MO 64131-4212.