Daniel R. Masters

Daniel Richard Masters, 67, of Blue Springs, MO. passed away on November 10, 2023 at his home in Blue Springs. The celebration of life services will be held at 1:00pm, Sunday, November 19th, 2023 at Emerald Event Space, in Blue Springs, MO.

Mr. Masters was born December 19th, 1955 in Independence, MO.

Danny was strong-willed and stubborn at times, but he had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was a man of simple tastes.  He loved the outdoors and did not need much to make him happy. He was easy going, generous, and loyal.  Danny will be remembered for the huge, kind heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them and if you knew him, you knew it. He never missed a chance to hang out with family and friends or chat it up with a neighbor or complete stranger. He loved to fish, dance, listen to music, and watch his Chiefs and Royals. Most of all, he loved to play with his two grandsons! He will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving Parents Bill and Marion Masters.

He was survived by his daughter, Danielle Masters, his son, Dustin Masters, and his 6 siblings: Tim Masters, Pat Masters, Mike Masters, Kellie Heard, Sallie Mangosing, and Kim Williams; as well as his two Grandsons Bodhi and Nico Masters.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” We know you are in paradise fishing with Grandpa and Freckles. Catch the big one for all of us! Love you forever.

Condolences

  1. Dustin Masters on November 15, 2023 at 4:59 pm

    Dear Dad,

    It is a crazy, strange feeling to come to the realization that you are gone. It still feels like you are here, and this is all a bad dream. When I wake up in the morning, I hear your normal morning sounds of feet scuffling to get your early morning coffee routine. I have not slept much but it’s hard to not look out on the back deck and see you sitting there just enjoying the sunrise when I wake up. We have had so many wonderful people reach out because of you and have graciously provided some of you favorite food. I have caught myself at times thinking, ” Oh dad’s going to love all this lasagna! ” The little moments I was oblivious to are so very apparent now and I wish we had more time so that I could cherish the time we had more dearly. It’s hard to not regret spending time with you more wisely, but after speaking with the numerous people who reached out, I know I can’t do that. The pain is real because the love I had for you is real. All of the memories of sports, fish fry’s, family gatherings are worth all the tears now.

    I love and miss you so much, and this “Grief thing” sometimes feels unbearable. This is something that hits home more presently because I know the loss of your father and mother caused you deep seeded grief. I now know how that unforgettable pain from traumatic events can affect someone. You are a tough SOB, and I am thankful for you teaching me some of that strength so I can handle moments like this. Even though I may be a mess right now, I know it will be okay because you are in a better place. I am sure you are on a beautiful body of water listening to some funky music with Grandpa, Grandma, Freddy, and Freckles.

    I’m lucky for all the time I got with you coaching me in sports and in life. From the times of Boyz of Blue Springs baseball to Bomber’s basketball to Bulldogs football! (Give A Dog a Bone) This helped me in more than just sports. I’m so thankful that you pushed me to be better and believed in me. My appreciation for your time and the greatness of your love cannot be measured.

    I’m also thankful for the time you spent living with me for the last 6 years. Although it wasn’t always what we both wanted it brought us closer. I loved the joy in my son’s eyes when they saw their grandpa coming up from downstairs. I don’t think you really understood the love they had for you but that same effervescent brightness in your smile showed me the love was mutual. In fact, I had to take a break from writing the obituary and was sitting outside on the front steps like you have so often. As I tried to be strong for my kids your 5-year-old grandson Bodhi, came and sat next to me. When I laid back Bodhi said, “Oh dad I am going to lay back just like you because I love you and I miss grandpa too. So, what do you want to do dad? Oh, why don’t we look at the sky and say hi to grandpa.” He begins to wave up at the sky as I fight back tears. He then says, “Dad don’t worry love lives on forever and ever. Can I hold your hand? not because I am scared but because I love you so much.” That love will forever be imprinted in my mind and in my children’s hearts.

    I am very sorry for the long winded whatever this is, but I just thought you deserved to know you are loved more than you ever knew. Dad, thank you for all the memories that I will always hold dearly to my heart. Rest easy and know you will always be alive and well in our hearts. I LOVE YOU BOY!



  2. Sallie Mangosing on November 15, 2023 at 7:12 pm

    Dustin that was such a beautiful tribute to your dad he loved you and Danielle so much. I got a voicemail from Danny last week on Wednesday after my endoscopy I had but still felt loopy from the anesthesia and didn’t take the call. He left a message that was just like any message he would usually leave but I deleted it and just thought I’ll get back to him. I had something to tell him about his PE coach in high school that taught both your parents and adored them. She had passed away a few weeks ago and just wanted to share the news with him. I guess he knows now and how much she thought of them both. I was 25 when I lost your grandpa my dad William Masters it is a very difficult thing that will affect you until the day you die. But I know they’re in a beautiful place to the heart and soul of my being. Mom, Dad, Duke we will all see each other again and celebrate this wondrous thing they call life. I love you and your sister dearly I’m sorry that you have to lose a parent at such an early age but they will be your angels looking out for you from above. Much love to you both and the Masters family that I’m proud to say I’m a part of.



  3. Jordan on November 15, 2023 at 8:04 pm

    Dustin-

    Your elegance with words gives everyone who knew your dad and those who didn’t a wonderful picture to remember him by.

    We all are here for you and your family.

    Ps.

    We wish you played ball only half as well as you write. You have a true calling.



  4. Greg Fensom on November 16, 2023 at 7:23 am

    My fondest memories of my friend Danny involve many years of playing sports together. From Queen City little league baseball to our Pop Warner championship football game in Chicago. You always played to win every game!
    Rest in peace my friend until we meet again…



  5. Janet on November 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm

    My dear friend, I will miss you and all the wonderful conversations we use to have.
    You now have one of the best views for all the games.



  6. Tony Barnes on November 16, 2023 at 6:07 pm

    Danny was always a joy to be around. Growing up, I had so much fun with him, Dustin, Danielle and the countless friends we had around. From fishing, tubing, grilling and growing into young men at the lake to him telling me to “turn that acid rock off, boy”, he was always a great and relatable man and would do anything for anyone. Every time I came and visited, he always asked me how my dad was and if I had been catching any fish lately and could hold a conversation for hours. I have a ton of great memories with Danny, and he will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Danny Mastas Boy.



  7. Mike Williams on November 16, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    You will be missed Danny Masters. I know you know this as you look down from above. Very glad I was able to meet you through your youngest sister, Kim, my wife. Good Bless you kind soul.



  8. Paul Mastilak on November 18, 2023 at 10:07 am

    Wendy, Mike and I are very sorry for your loss. We know that it is a very difficult time but remember that he is in a better place now.

    I met Danny when our sons were in grade school in Blue Springs. Danny was a coach of the Bulldogs team in the Blue Springs youth football league. Dustin told Danny that our son Matt would be a good addition to the team. Dustin asked him to come to their next practice. I drove Matt to practice where I met Danny and the other coach, Billy. They gave Matt a practice uniform and pads.

    Danny said that before they could welcome Matt to the team they wanted to see if Matt was tough enough. Matt had to both run the ball and tackle. As I remember, Danny put Matt against the biggest kid on the team. Both kids took a straight line.
    After they were done, Danny said something like “that`ll work”!!!

    Dustin and Matt played on the Bulldogs for several years and later in middle school. As I remember it, they were pretty successful.

    God Bless

    Paul Mastilak



  9. Powers Cusumano Vicki on November 18, 2023 at 11:40 am

    My sincere condolences to the family.
    I knew Danny from years ago as well as his brothers. I would see Danny at the grocery store numerous times and he always gave me huge hugs. Such a sweet loving soul.



  10. Christine DeMarea on November 18, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    I have been friends with Kellie since 3rd grade and have so many wonderful memories of the Masters and of Danny. He was older and we always thought he was so cute. I will always remember his big smile and kind eyes. My sincere condolences to the family. Dustin your letter was so beautiful and heartfelt. Danny was love by so many people and will be sorely missed. RIP Danny. You are with your mom and dad in heaven. God Bless you.



  11. Alex Madewell on November 19, 2023 at 12:13 pm

    I’m not sure I’ve ever read words more true than the words written about Danny. Such a beautiful tribute to commemorate the life of an all time great.

    When we were neighbors, our twins would always get excited when we’d come home and see Danny outside, they would always ask if they could go say hello to Danny. He was always so kind to all of us and became close with our oldest daughter, they would always talk after she got home from school. I always enjoyed our conversations and seeing Danny almost daily. When we moved a couple years ago, we were certainly sad we wouldn’t see Danny nearly as much.

    Danny, may your spirit and the wonderful memories you’ve helped create for all of us, live on forever.

    Our sincerest condolences to the family.

    Love the Madewell Family



Leave a Condolence