Daniel "Dan" Thomas Morrow

Daniel “Dan” T. Morrow, 54, died of an undiagnosed illness on March 27, 2024, in his home in Kansas City, Missouri. Memorial services will be held at the Muehlebach Funeral Home at 3:00 p.m. at 6800 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64131 on Monday, April 8.

Dan was born in St. Louis, MO on June 18, 1969 and was raised in Prairie Village, KS,  Bettendorf, IA, Springfield, VA, and Alexandria, VA. 

Dan is survived by his mother, Mary Morrow-Bax (Castrop) and his stepfather of 35 years Frank Bax, stepbrothers, David (JoEllen) Bax and Steve (Vicki) Bax, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and very kind and steadfast friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William “Bill” Morrow and his brother, Ray Morrow.  

Dan was a graduate of Lake Braddock High School in Burke, VA. He completed his AA at Johnson County Community College and his studies at KU with a major in sociology. Following college, Dan toured the country as a drummer with several bands. Ironically, when his band made it to New York, and was interviewed by Rolling Stone followed by some introductions to music executives, Dan’s disillusionment with what seemed to be too much focus on money and not enough on the art of the music caused him to alter his plans about a career in music. 

However, for much of his life, Dan’s continued love for music superseded most of his other interests, which were vast and varied. He seemed to know every movie that had ever been made and every song that had ever been played. Life took him to nearly all corners of the United States.  His father’s poor health caused him to relocate to Naples, FL, where he found work as a Budweiser truck driver. After that he moved to New Haven, CT and worked as a chauffeur where he made regular runs into Manhattan. The day after 9/11 Dan was at Ground Zero, later reporting home on what he had seen.

Not long after, Dan moved to Seattle, WA where he found a job working as an apprentice welder on Jacques Cousteau’s boat. The work was completed in late spring and if he could have waited until fall, he was promised an opportunity to go to welding school but Dan couldn’t wait. Instead, he moved on to Alaska where he signed on for what National Geographic called one of the 10 most dangerous  jobs: fishing in the Bering Sea. There was just one catch. The contract read that the crew didn’t get paid until they set anchor, a two-week trip. Sadly, before they reached their destination, the ship caught fire. Like everyone else Dan was putting on a wet suit preparing to go into the sea but he was likely the only one hoping they’d have to do it because the contract promised a sizable financial reward should that happen.  Thankfully the fire was put out before anyone had to go overboard.   

After getting back to Seattle, Dan soon moved back to Alaska before heading to Los Angeles. There he met up with friends and not long after took off for Maui where he worked in a scuba diving shop and gave lessons, something he had learned many years before. After nearly a year, he relocated to the Hill Country of Texas before returning to Los Angeles. 

After his brother’s death, he returned to Kansas City where he remained, living solitarily, playing his drums and caring for his dogs, which preceded him in death.

Dan was a unique soul. He had amazing talents, myriad interests, and was bright beyond words; but he also fought some significant demons. His mental and emotional illnesses often got in the way of relationships and good decision making. 

Dan’s parents wish to thank all the people who have loved and accepted Dan and recognized the challenges he tried to overcome. Special thanks also go out to Dan’s friend, Mrs. Teresa Rasing of Lawrence, KS, who was the one who insisted we call the police for a wellness check. 

In lieu of flowers, should you wish to make a contribution, his family requests funds be donated in Dan’s name to Journey to New Life at 3120 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64109.