NEWS & EVENTS

In Memory of Lewis Alfred Dysart

Lewis Alfred Dysart

April 29, 1924 – March 14, 2015

Mr. Dysart was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a senior member of the Dysart Taylor law firm where he served his clients for 64 years. His contributions to this firm, the legal profession, and the community at large will long be remembered.

Dysart Taylor Director Bob Cotter fondly recalls Mr. Dysart, saying, “Lew was an excellent attorney and a great mentor for me. He was always very pleasant to work with, and was a stickler for details. He taught me a lot about the practice of law and dealing with other people.”

Mr. Dysart was born to Kathryn Lewis Dysart and Searcy B. Dysart in Hallsville, Missouri. He had a happy childhood growing up in the Missouri towns of Columbia, Marshall, and Boonville. When he was in high school, he took great pride in telling people he was a Hickman High School “Kewpie.” He was also an Eagle Scout.

Sandy Riley, Mr. Dysart’s legal assistant, remembers his sense of humor, “He loved to tell jokes, and they were always pretty funny. He also had a really sharp memory right up until the end.”

In World War II, Mr. Dysart served three years with the US Army Air Force. He also helped set up and operate the first Air Force Radar Bomb Scoring Unit to train B-29 crews to use radar at KC’s downtown airport. His military time in Kansas City convinced him it was one of the world’s greatest cities.

Mr. Dysart became deeply engaged in service to the community. He helped found the Southwest Youth Court and served for 10 years as its counsel. He served eight years as commissioner on the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Board. He was also a long time member and leader of many professional and civic organizations including the Missouri Bar, Lawyers Association, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, Vanguard Club, Rotary Club 13, University Club, Kansas City Club, and Carriage Club.

Dysart Taylor Director Pat McMonigle remarked on Mr. Dysart’s skills as a leader, “Lewis Dysart guided our law firm with insight and a will to succeed that were extraordinary. He was singularly responsible for designing the framework for the success of our firm, which has, in turn, allowed this firm to celebrate more than eighty years of service to our valued clients. His leadership, guidance and wisdom will be sorely missed by his clients, friends and colleagues.”

We will always remember Mr. Dysart for the positive impact he made on those around him, professionally, civically, and personally. He was a great person and his legacy will live on.