David Michael McBrayer

David Michael McBrayer, born February 14, 1941, in Arkansas City, Kansas, son of the late Harold and Carlotta McBrayer, passed away on December 25, 2025—choosing Christmas Day, because David always appreciated good timing and a memorable exit.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brian McBrayer, and niece, Debbie McBrayer. He is survived by his brother, Alan McBrayer; nephews Steven (Vickie) McBrayer and Robert (Angela) McBrayer; great-nephews Matthew and Steven McBrayer; great-nieces Rebecca McBrayer and Kait Duncan; and great-great-niece Galatea Duncan. He will also be deeply missed by his honorary daughters—Carolyn Funk Kindt, Linda Funk Dykes, Charlotte Gazette, and Amanda Badgett—proof that family is sometimes chosen. To them, he was affectionately known as “Daba,” a title he proudly wore.

David was a 1959 graduate of Central High School, where his curiosity and wide-ranging interests were already on full display. He was active in Los Conquistadores, the school’s Spanish club, an experience that sparked his fascination with other cultures and fueled a lifelong desire to travel. He also contributed to the school newspaper, The Luminary, planting the seeds for his enduring love of writing and storytelling. David participated in ROTC as well; while he quickly determined that military life was not for him, his interest in firearms endured, becoming a lifelong hobby rooted in history and craftsmanship.

After high school, David briefly attended Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. His college career lasted precisely one semester, due to a strong philosophical disagreement with the university president—an argument David clearly won by leaving. He soon pursued a far more practical education, traveling across Europe and the United States on a motorcycle with a sidecar and collecting stories that improved with each retelling.

After his travels, he worked at Western Missouri Mental Health, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Linda “Holly” Masterson, before honing his skills as a bartender at the New Stanley in Westport. David eventually found long-term employment at Kansas City Power and Light, working both at a KCPL power station during the turbulent strike of the 1970s and in corporate communications, where he wrote and directed public service announcements—bringing creativity, clarity, and just enough wit to keep things interesting.

After retiring from KCPL, David devoted himself to improving his golf game. Despite enthusiasm, persistence, and unwavering confidence, improvement proved elusive. Undeterred, he continued to play, offering commentary and analysis.

Ever the Scotsman, David was active for many years in the Kansas City St. Andrews Society and spent countless hours helping organize the Kansas City Highland Games. He was awarded the coveted Howieson Cup in 2005, an award his mother, Carlotta, also received. His most endearing contribution may have been the invention of the “Haggis Pup,” a far more palatable—and widely appreciated—interpretation of the traditional dish.

David also had a lifelong appreciation for well-crafted machines, particularly cool cars with style and soul. He admired classic Jaguars and took special pride in his Bullitt Mustang—cars that, like David himself, combined elegance, attitude, and a touch of rebellion.

In his later years, David lived in Springfield, Missouri, where he spent his days enjoying Gurkha Centurian Double Perfecto cigars and the occasional cold Stella Artrois on his deck while doting on a rotating cast of feline companions, and enthusiastically researching first-edition books, Jaguars (the cars, not the cats), and vintage firearms.

David will be remembered for his sharp wit, adventurous spirit, and deep loyalty to those he loved. He lived fully, laughed often, and left behind stories that will continue to be told. He will be missed whenever a drink is poured properly, a book is discussed, a finely tuned engine is admired, or a cat is longing to be pet.

A Celebration of Life for David is being planned and an update will be announced in the near future. Donations in David’s memory to the Kansas City St. Andrews Society (https://www.kcscot.org/) and/or Home for Life Cat Sanctuary (https://www.hflcsanctuary.org/) are requested in lieu of flowers.

UPDATE: An informal Celebration of Life reception will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 2:30pm-3:30pm at HJ's Youth & Community Center-6425 Wornall Rd., KC, MO. We invite all to come share a story and a drink in remembrance of David.