Darwin Dalice DuPree, 49, of Kansas City, MO passed away suddenly December 1, 2019. He was born June 22, 1970 in Kansas City, MO, the son of Darwin D. and Donna J. (Wells) DuPree. They survive of Kansas City, MO.
Darwin graduated from Maur Hill Catholic High School in Atchison, KS. He earned his B.S. in Psychology & Drama from St. Mary’s College in Leavenworth, KS; and later earned a Masters in Theatre from Oklahoma City University.
Darwin worked in several roles with the Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCPD) and the Scottsdale Police Department in Scottsdale, Arizona. He received numerous awards, including an Achievement and Life Safety Award from the City of Scottsdale for thwarting a bank robbery and chasing down a suspect with a bomb.
Darwin returned to Kansas City in Fall 2008 after meeting the love of his life, Debra Jean Duermyer.
Lt. DuPree joined Honeywell FM&T National Security Campus in 2012 and currently served as a Training Lieutenant for Protective Force. He provided leadership and training to the protective force officers, dispatchers and command staff to ensure effective execution of federal and institutional requirements.
Lt. DuPree was one of 15 Kansas Citians honored as Black Achievers at the 2019 Black Achievers Society Awards of 2019. The annual event serves as part of the city-wide celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
He married Debra Jean Duermyer on June 8, 2011 in Coronado Beach, CA. In addition to Debbie and his parents, Darwin leaves three children to cherish his memory: Mariah Renae Brown; Christopher Xavier DuPree; and Taylor Imani DuPree; two sisters: Theressa DuPree and Arimeta DuPree; 4 nieces and 1 nephew, along with many other family members and friends.
His great big smile and gentle, loving spirit will be missed by all who knew Darwin. Not to mention his famous chicken wings, big booming voice yelling for his kids at countless track meets across the country, and his affinity for science fiction movies. Darwin brought joy into the lives he touched. His faith in God gave him the strength to persevere through hard times and live a joyful, happy life.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2019 at St. Monica Catholic Church 1616 Paseo Blvd. Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 6, 2019. Following the Mass on Friday a formal funeral procession will depart for Resurrection North Cemetery in Kansas City, MO, where a Committal Service will be held.
Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Family to assist with his children’s educational needs. Memories of Darwin and condolences to the family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com
3D you were always a good guy to me. I really enjoyed working with you. You will be sorely missed sir. Prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Words can’t express my sorrow in the tragic loss of Darwin. A finer man and friend there’s not. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Darwin was the most inspirational person I know. A heart built if Love and Gold. He was always one we listened to when he talked and always looked for his approval. I will truly miss him being with us but he will always be there. He is in a awesome place now and they are lucky to have such an awesome person. Stay strong.
Officer Dupree will be missed by everyone. He was one of the nicest individuals and was kind to everyone. His passing will leave a void at the NSC that will be impossible to fill.
I have known Darwin over 20 years. He was a phenomenal man, husband, father, officer and friend. He will be greatly missed…
We are so very sorry for your loss, our hearts are heavy as well. I am convinced that the world was a much better place because Darwin was in it. I know that my life was blessed by him for sure. He always spoke proudly of his family and children . We will miss him. You will be in our prayers and thoughts, may God bless you and give you peace.
My prayers are with the family. Darwin was a wonderful person to work with. Great passion for working with everyone. A very special person!
Darwin was and will forever be a blessing to all those he came in contact with. I met Darwin in Albuquerque at the NTC while attending an Active Shooter Workshop. After talking with him for 5 minutes I felt as if I’d known him for years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. He will be truly missed. Until Valhalla
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for your loss. Officer Dupree was a man of great integrity, kindness, and professionalism. He demonstrated an extremely powerful yet calming presence. I feel blessed to have met him at Honeywell NSC. You all are in my prayers.
I am deeply saddened for the loss from this world of Darwin. I know him to be a gentle giant of a man with a great personality who loved people and the Lord. I pray for peace and comfort for the family during this time of challenge. God Bless.
PeeWee man I would have never thought this I was one of your brawling brothers who got you ready for fighting crime in the world you will be missed LOVE YOU MAN !!!! My heart goes out to his family he was a great father a great son a great brother and a great husband to his family my prayers go out to you all!
I only met Darwin DuPree once but as you know in life there are some people who make such an impression that you will never forget them. Darwin DuPree was one of those people. Funny, sincere, and down-to-earth. Darwin made me feel like I could relate to him when he openly talked to an audience of a hundred about his childhood, fears, and vulnerabilities. A kind and genuine man.
Darwin… I miss your smile man.. every single day. You lit up the room. I’m gonna miss you very much man. Rest in peace.
Lt Dupree was humble and very kind to everyone he came across. He was always interested in the opinions of others and how things could be improved for the good of everyone. He always had a smile and offered to help every single time. A gentle spirit. You can tell he enjoyed what he did on a daily basis. He will be greatly missed. He was a blessing to many in his lifetime and his legacy will continue to live on. May God comfort the Dupree family and the entire family both far & near during, this difficult time (Matthew 5:4).
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. We are so sorry for your loss.
If we can help you in anyway please let us know. May God bless you all!
Peter & Dianna Geist
My deepest condolences to the Dupree family. Lt Dupree was such a kind individual and touched so many people. He will be greatly missed.
Darwin,
You will be sorely missed. Words cannot begin to describe the hole that is left in your wake. Thank you for your kindness, honesty, and devotion. If all men could have been as you were, I’m sure the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever.
May blessings rain forth upon your family, and all who call you dear.
My deepest condolences to the DuPree family. Darwin was a very kind and hard working man who wanted to bring out the best in everyone. He was always a pleasure to work with and his smile will be missed in the hallways of FM&T
Darwin you were one of the best I was ever blessed by God to know. An extremely rare person who put your heart into everything and everyone you were involved with. I will pray for your family and may God be with you all. I know your spirit lives on and I will miss you.
Another sad call from Kansas City. This time it’s about you cousin. Gone way too soon. Every time you see me, you smile from ear to ear. A gesture that naturally comes from missing someone you love. Which means I should be smiling right now instead of tears because I love you and ‘ll surely miss you PeeWee.
Darwin words could never describe what a wonderful person you were. You could make everyones day brighter with your smile. You always let me know that if I needed a friend to talk to you would be there.I was blessed and honored to have the privilege of having a wonderful friend like you.When you left this world you put a void in everyone heart that knew you.
We lost a great one in Darwin. I will miss my friend!
Darwin was one of the kindest men I know. His smile and humor was the best. Always enjoyed working with you. Such a professional and asset to security. My prayers for peace and comfort to your family. God bless each of you.
Darwin – your Scottsdale PD family will dearly miss you. I bet you’re telling stories up in heaven and making people laugh and feel at home. You were so kind and loving. Miss you brother. I pray your family is ok.
Darwin, I’ve never met anyone who could impact people the way you did. You were someone I admired, respected, and leaned on countless times. Quite honestly, you were the kindest person I’ve ever known. I will pray for your family brother.
I’m so sorry to read this, Darwin was an incredible man. Of course I only knew him for a short time at Saint Mary, but I enjoyed being in theatrical productions with him and watching him perform. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all those who love him.
Right now, when your loss is so fresh, it may be difficult for you to imagine that this pain will ever go away. But in time, the blessing of God’s unfailing grace will soften the hurt that you’re feeling and bring your heart the peace, comfort, and hope that it needs to heal. May you remember the beautiful memories of Darwin. The Lord is standing near waiting to hear all of our prayers.
Until then, please remember there’s a circle of family, coworkers, and friends surrounding you who are embracing you, and lifting you up in prayer. Darwin was very special to the HBEN community and will truly be missed.
PeeWee – my teenage years would have been incomplete without you. The Baby Sister you inherited by becoming friends with my brother while in Leavenworth KS loves you much. Thanks for blessing our lives with your spirit and grace. God take you and place you at his side from now on. Watch over us and guide us with God’s loving hands. Be at peace.
Worked with Darwin at Scottsdale, AZ, PD. He was such a good man, a compassionate man. We were all sorry to see him leave and our department was not the same without him.
May God bring a sense of peace to all those who love and already miss him so much.
Darwin our thoughts and prayers for your family. I worked with DDD for 8 years and he was always willing to help you out anyway he could. I know the void for Honeywell Pro Force will be a tough one to fill. From the Falcon Family
I feel fortunate and honored to have had the opportunity to meet and train with Dupree earlier this year. Darwin made a lasting impression on me and my guys and we are all thankful for the time that we spent together, working together and sharing conversation. Losing Darwin has a nation wide effect as his impact extended far beyond his Kansas City reach. To Darwin’s family, thank you for sharing him with us, his work family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Darwin your smile and great presence was a blessing for Scottsdale Police Department and the citizens of our city. We are all better for it. I pray for you and your family. Rest in Peace
Darwin and Donna, Nata and I offer our condolences, prayers and love to you on the great loss of your son, Darwin. What a loss also to the whole community. Kansas City was a better place because of Darwin and his heartfelt work. May God and the community comfort you in your grieving.
My brother. Your in a much better place. You have been a good solid man. Our prayers are with your family.
I met Darwin at Maur Hill. He had such a great heart. I know he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Darwin’s spirit and personality is so infectious you will be truly missed by many. I pray for strength for the family and know Darwin has friends in DC who truly appreciated him.
My condolences on your loss. I worked with Darwin for 8 years at Honeywell and during that time he was nothing but supportive of those of us he lead. I regret not being able to attend the services but my thoughts and prayers are with.
KCPD Classmate of mine and worked with him on several occasions at the NSC campus. I’ll miss you brother!
Darwin and Donna, Sharon sent me the information on your son’s passing.Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. I know your strength will carry you through. My best to you and your family. My daughter, Tina sends her sympathy also.
‘
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences. Darwin Dupree was a man of great integrity, kindness,and professionalism. He was a man with a great personality who loved people and the lord. He was one of the kindest men I know. His big smile and loving will be missed by all who knew him. Our prayers are with your family.
Darwin was such a treat to know. Always happy, always a smile and greeting. I first met him when he did active shooter training for our department at Honeywell. Had a funny experience during that training that became our insider greeting. Rode with him and several of his coworkers on the elevator last Wednesday. He was so happy and so looking forward to the holidays. Totally shocked on Monday morning. Condolences from Vicki and I to the family. Besides being our coworker, he was also on the KCMO Northland force with my brother-in-law and father-in-law. Heaven gained a great one, way too early. He will be missed.
Darwin was a student at Savior of the World High School Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas; I was Principal of the Seminary High School. Darwin was a faithful young man of the highest values. I am saddened by his death and will offer Mass for him and his family. Darwin’s Father was a Police Officer and Detective in Kansas City Missouri, and later was ordained a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Church, For many years he has served on the Pastoral Staff of Providence Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. As Pastor of St. Patrick Church we ministered together often. Let us all remember the DuPree Family in our prayers.
His smile one so beautiful and warm every time I saw him he would smile from ear to ear I was always happy to see him I’ll miss him I remember all of the good times we had growing up he would call me by my Joyce and not my nickname Boo……Lol
He’s truly truly loved and missed by me
You were a Great Man!!
You will be missed roommate… Thanks for being a Big Brother to many. Praying for your Family.
Darwin you will be missed so much. No matter when I would see you we laughed and talked about the kids and Mrs Debbie and me coming out to the house. Thank you for everything and prayers are with the kids and family. Love you
Debra, Mariah, Chris and Taylor – I had the pleasure and honor to work with Darwin when I was the police chief at Scottsdale. Not only was he a tremendous officer, but he was also a good friend to my wife, Diana, and me. I left the department shortly before Darwin and when he left it truly was a loss to the City of Scottsdale. I thought he was an excellent example of the type of compassionate police officers we need today. I was proud to serve with him and I can assure you your love and pride for Darwin is well deserved. Our deepest condolences to all of you and you are all in our prayers.
Doug and Diana Bartosh
DuPree family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the grace, mercy, and peace of God carry you through this time. DuPree…wow….man, you will truly be missed. Family, in all this, please know that God is still good. Keep the faith. My prayers are with you.
Darwin has made more of a positive impact on this world than anyone will ever know. His legacy is far-reaching and enduring. Without a doubt, Darwin was a wonderful human being and I am honored to call him my friend. He was always willing; willing to put in extra effort, willing to go the extra mile, and always did it with an infectious smile on his face. “How can he be so happy and smile all the time?” people asked. I believe Darwin was truly, honestly, and deeply grateful and appreciative for everything. Those things are what caused that smile and happiness. Darwin’s passion for making people better and his deep caring for others are inspirational. I want to be more like Darwin Dalice DuPree.
A finer human being I have never met. Knowing Darwin and having him as a friend and colleague made me a better person. I am truly honored to have known him. Thoughts and prayers to his wonderful family from the Grommes family.
I met Darwin in 1996 when he worked as a new KCPD Officer. We were friends when I first me him and talked every time we saw each other. He was kind, mature for his age and inspirational to me without trying and kind without reason. He was someone I had not seen in years but who I asked about whenever I came in contact with our past friends/co-workers. He was one of a kind! I will miss his personality and friendship.
We are so very sad and sorry to hear of Darwin’s passing. May you celebrate all the happy memories. We are praying for you and your family.
Debbie, I didn’t meet your husband and you and I hadn’t seen each other but I know he had to be special if he picked you as his wife. Bob am I send our condolences.
We are so saddened to hear of Darwin’s passing. Darwin was a true friend and an amazing, caring human being. I cherished the times we worked together back in Arizona and I always looked up to his kind heart and compassion for others. He was a role model and inspiration for me and we truly consider him to be family.
I remember last year when he visited and I took him out off roading and drone flying in Arizona. It had been a few years since we had seen each other face to face, but our conversations were deep and meaningful. He was so proud of his family. He was so excited for what their futures hold. I’m going to truly miss his booming jovial voice.
As he would say “Radio Dave! my brother from another mother!” You will be missed, but you will always be in our hearts!
Debbie Jean, Chris and Taylor~
Our hearts are breaking for you in this difficult time. We are thankful that Darwin has been set free to love Jesus in person; and so glad that this is not the end and we’ll get to see him again. Wish we had a way to help relieve the pain in the meantime. All our love from Idaho.
Tim, Judy, Sarah, Cherie, Connor & Ashton
I was so surprised and saddened to hear of Darwin’s death. He was a man full of life and energy. I enjoyed partnering with him on development classes for his team at work. I must say I laughed more during those classes than any others. Darwin was passionate about developing people and made it fun in the process.
I saw him just a couple of weeks ago and he spoke excitedly about positive things going on with his family. He was a proud dad. I am sorry for your loss. His presence was so big, I can only imagine the hole left behind. You are in my prayers.
I am totally in shock. Good dude.
I was putting my groceries in my car, when an inocent occurred. A red pick up truck had hit a car, I had not seen, another bystander had witnessed. She had tun into Safeway to notify them.
The woman in the pick up turned around and pulled her truck into the isle where I was putting my groceries away..
The bystander, Vicki, got the keys from the woman driving who was thought to be intoxicated. I noticed a little girl ( 3 or 4 yrs old), crouched down begin the cabbie. She was very frightened. She did not have any under garments on. It was March, she was cold.
The police came, as Vicki and I had the mother and Ariel get settled outside the truck in parking lot median.
The mother was on antidepressants and was having a reaction , and experiencing some type of mental issue.
This lasted for about an hour. I had gone to my car, remembering I had some diapers and a red dress with cherry’s on it/red sweater, my daughter was same age.. I put it on Ariel.
The Sergeants and Officer DuPree told us that we could leave, and that the mother/daughter would be cared for..
I went to my car and this is when the Officer DuPree approached me. He thanked me for helping the women and daughter. I said to him that I had wished I could do more. I scooted home with my groceries. We were leaving for a little trip with the children the next day.
I received a phone call from the police chief secretary, while on vacation, asking if I could come in and receive a certificate for saving a life award. I was stunned and my heart felt full of gratitude.
Officer DuPree, on hisincident report, took the time to write a beautiful letter acknowledging my efforts in helping with the incident. There was a ceremony about a month later and I, along with Vicki, were awarded, the Life Saving Award, a pin, and a cup. I made sure to get a few photo’s with Officer DuPree which is on my board.
I have his report/letter with envelope and photo displayed, on a large board. I am finally going to frame it.
I am amidst a transition and I found my cardboard display to take with me. This is when I googled Officer DuPue and noticed that he had passed. My heart felt sadness. He noticed my acts of kindness and had me recognized.
This has made a huge impact in my life.
God Bless You and I am sorry for your loss. He made a difference! I hope I can do the same.
Sincerely,
Mary C. Coleman ( formerly Brown)
I told Ariel to always remember when she looks at the red sweater that she has a guardian angel looking over her.