Everette Duane “Dewey” Nay was born on December 30, 1949, in Odessa, MO, to Iona (Robinette) McCorkel and Lloyd Lawrence Nay whom both preceded him in death, along with his stepfather, Robert “Pop” McCorkel. He is survived by his baby sister, Candance “Candy” Jo (Westmoreland) Clark of Holt, MO and brother, Melvin “Mel” Lloyd Nay (Lela) of Carl Junction, MO. He is survived by his 5 children, Angie (Nay) Oyler (James), Luke Nay (Andrea), Chris Nay (Tiffany), Kelly Nay and Kal Nay as well as his significant other, Danielle Reeve. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren; Avery Moore, Maguire Moore, Delaney Nay, Nathan Thompson, Austin Thompson, Ryan Thompson, Ryleigh Nay, Tucker Nay, Dierks Nay, Milo Nay, Maddox Peterson, and several nieces and nephews. Duane married twice during his lifetime; first to Donna (Keith) Gratzer-Smith (1970) and again to Rebecca (Richey) Nay (1979). He spent his last years with his significant other, Danielle Reeve, who cared for him until his death.
Duane attended Odessa Elementary School, Nowlin Middle School, Van Horn High School and graduated from Truman High School in 1968. He played varsity football and varsity baseball throughout his school years. After graduation, Dewey completed a few years of post secondary education at CMSC Independence Campus (at the time) before getting into the concrete business. Baseball was a large part of Dewey’s life throughout his younger years and after high school; even trying out for the Royals and being called back for a second tryout. He missed the cut on the second tryout by 1 spot. This was a favorite story he enjoyed telling when asked about his youth. His high school teammates remember him as a “great competitor” and speak fondly about their memories of him.
Dewey was known for his love of the outdoors such as hunting, fishing and annual trips to the Colorado mountains. He began these annual trips in 1976 with a group of close friends from high school and ended up developing more close friendships in those mountains in the years to follow. He spent weeks preparing ahead of time along with gathering every camping item known to man. His kids remember many childhood trips to mountainous areas around the country and Canada. Dewey continued this tradition with his grandchildren and was hopeful for one last trip when he got sick. Although he never made it back this year, he was visited by those far and wide that joined him on these trips yearly. Dewey’s personality was one that made you feel good and always welcomed, people wanted to be around him. He never met a stranger and could strike up conversations with anyone. He enjoyed telling stories of his youth, raising his children and telling tall hunting tales from the Colorado mountains. His kids have years of entertaining stories and memories that include tools being thrown on the jobsite and working hours in the heat or freezing cold until the concrete was just how their dad wanted it. But most of all, they remember the importance of hard work and ethics that Dewey instilled in each of them.
Dewey leaves this earth with the legacy of having friendships which lasted a lifetime. He also led his family as the patriarch and teacher for many generations to come. The mention of “Dewey” brings up hours of entertaining stories for every person he met. If anyone could find something in common with everyone, it was Dewey. He enjoyed finding out where people grew up, what high school they graduated from, where they vacationed each year or something as simple as talking about “the good ole days.” He had a love for genealogy and finding out where everyone came from. He had many memories of when things were built, where businesses started from and what they developed into. He loved history and all that it offered. Dewey will be missed as a father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. His memory will live on through his children and grandchildren in all he taught them over the years.
It was the wish of Dewey to be cremated and his ashes be spread in his favorite hunting location; Ute Creek located in the White River National Forest. His children are planning a family trip next summer to complete this final wish. To honor the life Dewey led, the family invites anyone with a good “Dewey story” to join us in celebration and to reminisce about the man we all came to know and love. There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, October 5th, 2019, at 4:00pm at the Elks Lodge located at 100 NE Brizendine Road, Grain Valley, MO 64014.
It is never goodbye, only until we see you again.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441