David Fines

David Fines died peacefully at home in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 9, 2018, at the age of 67. Dave was a Kansas City native, born October 24, 1950 to William Fines and Billie (Wagner) Fines. He grew up in St. Vincent de Paul parish at 31st & Flora and attended Lillis High School, and Southeast High School.

Dave spent his life feeding people: food, laughter, music, love, and compassion. He started in the restaurant business as a teenager and spent the next 30 years working as a server, cook, sous chef, caterer, and manager of restaurants throughout Kansas City, including Houlihans, Westport One, Jack Stack, and Accurso’s Deli. He spent from 1980 to 1993 with Tom Gault’s Joe’s Restaurant & Bar BQ at 79th & State Line Road and at Joe’s Barn Restaurant and Catering in Stanley, Kansas. In his retirement he volunteered many hours weekly at the St. Francis Xavier food pantry, managing inventory and delivering meals and compassion. He received the 2016 Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop Recognition Award for his generous devotion to that ministry.

Dave was also an avid singer/songwriter. He and his wife and song partner Barbara spent over 25 years playing and singing together. With their son Dan and friend Bruce Eddy, they formed the band Fine Kettle O’ Fish, performing at charity functions, farmers markets, private parties, and local venues for over a decade. As a solo singer/songwriter, Dave was known in the Kansas City Songwriting community for his honest and compassionate story songs and for his enthusiastic support for other local musicians.

Dave loved children and children of all ages loved him. He worked for a year as “Mr. Dave” at Central United Methodist Preschool and often was heard to say that was the best job he ever had. He was looked to by many younger people around him as a source for loving encouragement and wise advice.

Dave is survived by his wife of 25 years Barbara Glesner Fines and son Daniel Fines of the home and by his three children with Gloria Wey Fines: son Dustin Fines; daughter Callie Fines (grandsons Jordan and Jaden LeGrair); and daughter Carrie (Tyler) Lieurance (grandchildren Olivia, Alexander, and Layla), all of Kansas City. He is also survived by his grandson David Cameron Fines of Austin, Texas. He is predeceased by his oldest son David Raymond Fines, a sister Mary Beth, parents William and Billie, and a best friend Larry Joe Cox.

A funeral mass will be 11:00 am on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at St. Francis Xavier (51st & Troost). All are welcome. We will be welcoming visitors to our home all afternoon and evening that day for food, memories, and music. In lieu of flowers, donations or volunteerism in honor of David are encouraged. Two ideas: St. Francis Xavier Food Pantry or the Midwest Music Foundation.