Wesley Alva Weathers

Wesley A. Weathers, beloved husband, father, grandfather, attorney, mentor, and friend, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was 84 years old.

Wes was born on April 2, 1942, in Great Bend, Kansas, the only child of Elmo and Helen Weathers. Raised on a small Kansas farm, he inherited his father's work ethic and his mother's unwavering belief that he could accomplish anything he set his mind to. Though farm life never held the same appeal for him that it did for his father, the lessons of those early years—hard work, perseverance, and humility—remained with him throughout his life.

After graduating from Great Bend High School in 1960, Wes set out on an adventure that would help shape the man he would become. He spent two years in California, exploring life far beyond the wheat fields of western Kansas, before returning home to attend Washburn University. Working multiple jobs while carrying a full course load, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in 1966 and his Juris Doctor from Washburn Law School in 1969, graduating near the top of his class.

The practice of law became one of the great passions of his life. Wes built a distinguished legal career that spanned more than five decades handling complex civil litigation, primarily focused on product liability and toxic tort. He was selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 30 years and was named the 2012 Personal Injury Defense Lawyer of the Year for the Kansas City area. He earned Martindale-Hubbell's highest AV Preeminent® rating, was named to the Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers lists, was recognized as one of Ingram's Best Lawyers in Kansas City, and was selected as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America.

Wes's greatest joy came from the people he loved.

He married Patty Riley in 1981, beginning a partnership that would span more than four decades in both life and law. Together they built a remarkable marriage founded on friendship, laughter, mutual respect, adventure, and unwavering devotion. Whether hiking in the Rocky Mountains, exploring national parks, traveling throughout the United States and Europe, or gathering family together in Belize, they created a lifetime of cherished memories. Wes often said that Patty made him a better man, and their love story remained one of the defining blessings of his life.

He was the proud father to Marcie and Catherine. As he often acknowledged with honesty and humility, his journey as a father was one of growth and learning. One of his greatest hopes was that his children would always know how deeply they were loved. Nothing delighted him more than becoming a grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them.

Wes was an eternal optimist. He believed deeply that setbacks were opportunities to learn, that character mattered more than circumstance, and that life was best lived with gratitude, curiosity, and a healthy sense of humor. Those who knew him will remember his quick wit, remarkable storytelling, fierce intellect, adventurous spirit and ability to find joy in life's simple moments.

Wes is preceded in death by his parents, Elmo and Helen Weathers, and by his devoted wife, Patty Riley. He is survived by his daughters, Marcie Klevens and Catherine Kimsey; his son-in-law, Chase Kimsey; his grandchildren, Lucas Stoltman and Sloane and Jett Kimsey; his cousin, Nancy Lindberg and many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and clients whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

His family finds comfort in the countless memories he leaves behind and in a life that was lived fully, purposefully, and with gumption.

"Life is good." — Wesley A. Weathers