He was raised by his loving parents, Paul and Barbara Krebs in Independence, MO. He was active in Boy Scouts and baseball in his youth. Daniel attended Nativity of Mary School during his early years, then moving on to Clifford H. Nowlin Middle School. Daniel graduated with the Class of 1976 from Van Horn High School. Shortly thereafter, he began what would be a 30-year career with General Motors.
Daniel loved his family above all else. He stood as the rock and safe haven for his wife, Alison Krebs who survives of the home. He is also survived by his three children, Matthew L. Krebs of Belton, MO; Jeffrey W. Krebs and wife Sarah of Kansas City, MO and Nicole M. Jones of Lawrence, KS; step-daughter, Jamie Ray and husband Brent of Peculiar, MO; step-son, Alec Smith and wife Krystal of Warsaw, MO and nephews Domenick Valentino and fiancé Samantha of Excelsior Springs, MO and Nickolas Valentino of Sumpter, SC.
Daniel was the dearly beloved Papa of Tristen Krebs, Braden Krebs, Makenzie Krebs, Riley Krebs, Ethan Kassen, Adelyn Ray, Edward Smith and Kayden Valentino.
He also leaves behind to mourn his passing, aunts, uncles, many cousins and countless friends. It was often said, he didn’t know a stranger and everyone either was his friend or soon would be.
Daniel was active in his children and grandchildren’s lives rarely missing a game, a school program or Scouting event. He enjoyed Scout camp with his sons, be it a weekend campout or extended summer camp. He joined his boys and the troop on field trips and outings. Daniel served in many positions with his sons’ Scout troop, always encouraging his sons and members of the troop on their path to Eagle. Both Matthew and Jeffrey completed that path and became Eagle Scouts. Years later, Daniel continued his love of Scouting when he attended camp with his grandson, Ethan.
He was an unabashedly biased Softball Dad, who rarely ever sat on the bleachers during a game. When the game got close, the pacing would begin. Following daughter Nicole’s teams around the local area and all over the country during her many seasons of competitive and college ball, was one of the great joys of summer for him.
In the words of his daughter, Nicole, Dad was proud. He was proud of his wife, Alison. He was proud of his kids. He always talked about them in every conversation with anyone, even complete strangers. He loved us through thick and thin, no matter the circumstance. There was never any question of how proud he was and how much he loved us all.
Jeffrey believes his Dad lived up to being the father every kid dreams of having. He was the protector, disciplinarian, teacher and role model. He showed love and compassion to his children. These are lessons that will be passed on through his children to their children always. These are lessons that helped develop Danny’s legacy and can be seen in his children today.
We will all miss his infectious laughter, his mischievous grin, his funny commentary, our ability to always count on him to make things right, fix whatever was broken and make sure we had everything we needed or wanted. He lived to make our lives safe, secure and happy; he accomplished that every day. The lesson we share from our loss is please do not be afraid to see your doctor, get those tests, take care of yourself and those you care about and never, ever, take anything or anyone for granted.
Arrangements for Daniel have been planned with COVID precautions and the family’s desire to keep friends and loved ones safe. Masks will be required for all persons attending. There will be a visitation at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 10017 E. 36th Terrace, Independence, MO 64052 from 10am-12pm on Thursday, November 5, 2020. Mass of Christian Burial will be private. The Mass will be streamed live and recorded for later viewing on the McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home Facebook page.
Daniel was a staunch Chiefs fan. If you would like to show your Chiefs pride, we are sure he have would loved to see some Chiefs gear on his friends and family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Cancer Action in Independence.
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