Jul 2, 1953 — Sep 10, 2026
Shawnee, Kansas
David Joe Kraxner II, 73, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on September 10, 2026. He was born on July 2, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, and grew up in Independence, Missouri, before spending most of his adult life in Shawnee.
David served in the United States Army as a young man. Throughout his life, he remained deeply patriotic, proudly supported the men and women of the Armed Forces, and could often be found wearing his beloved Army Veteran hat.
Although David attended college, much of his education came through his own determination to keep learning. He believed strongly in continuing education and worked hard throughout his career to expand his knowledge, particularly in Information Technology. He took pride in staying current in a rapidly changing field and in continually improving his skills.
David spent most of his adult career working in Information Technology. He got his start at Rothenberg & Schloss Cigar Company in Kansas City, Missouri, and later worked in several IT and consulting roles. He eventually joined Swope Health Services, where he spent 21 years before retiring. His long career reflected both his technical ability and his determination to keep learning and continue growing in his profession.
Outside of work, David had no shortage of things he enjoyed. Coffee was never far away, and neither was a good book. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed the works of James Patterson, John Grisham, and Stephen King. Chances are, if one of them wrote it, David had read it.
David was a die-hard, through-and-through Kansas City Chiefs fan. He loved his Chiefs and followed them with the kind of loyalty and enthusiasm only a true Kansas City football fan could understand. Baseball, on the other hand, never quite earned the same enthusiasm except when the Royals made it to the World Series.
David enjoyed shooting pool, both for fun and in competition, and he deeply loved his dogs, Chubbs and Taloolah, who held a very special place in his life. And if David was home, there was a pretty good chance Fox News was on – something the family was always happy to give him a hard time about.
David was preceded in death by his father, Lt. David Joe Kraxner, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Independence Police Department when he was still a child; his mother, Laura Evelyn Smoot; stepfather Jack Smoot; his stepmother, Janet “Suzie” Stevens; his sister, Rebecca Kendall.
His surviving siblings are Deborah McGhee (Donald), Vernon Kraxner (Sheri), and Jackie Brant (Fred).
He is survived by his four sons: Joe Kraxner, Dustin Kraxner, Keaton Kraxner, and Gavin Kraxner; and his grandson, Kain, son of Keaton.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 18, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home, with burial afterward at Pleasant View Cemetery.
Obituary published by Amos Family Funeral Home.
