Emil George DeBrabander of Lenexa, Kansas, passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2025, at the age of 88.

Emil was born July 13th 1936 in Shawnee, Kansas to Leon and Mary VanDeBerghe DeBrabander.

He lived his entire life in the Lenexa and Shawnee area. He attended Saint Joseph Catholic school. Emil enjoyed a life full of travel and adventure, including several trips to Belgium. In his younger years he worked alongside his parents, brother and sister as truck farmers. 

Preceded in death are his parents Leon and Mary (VanDeBerghe) DeBrabander, brother Albert DeBrabander, sister Lorene Rieke and her husband Paul Rieke, sons, David DeBrabander, Danny DeBrabander and daughter, Dawn Padgett. 

He leaves behind Daughters, Debbie Arnett, Denise Sorrells.  Sister-in-law, Rita DeBrabander and many Nieces and Nephews, grand Children and close friends. 

He was a Subdivision Developer, Home Builder, Restaurant Owner and an Underground Utility Contractor. 

He was very proud of his Belgian Heritage; he went to the old country many times to see extended family members.  He enjoyed spending his summers at his cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks where he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. 

He was a member of the Lenexa Gun Club, the VFW and the Sons of American Legion (SAL).  He loved playing cards with his friends at the VFW.  He took great pride in his Garden and enjoyed sharing what he grew in his garden with others. 

He loved to cook and can most everything he grew from his garden.  He enjoyed hunting, birdwatching and was an avid sports fan. He loved cheering on the KC Chiefs and KU basketball.

He was adamant, determined to be independent and take care of himself (which he did) until close to the end of his life when his health failed. 

Emil requested to be cremated. He also requested no memorial services. There will be a celebration of life planned at a later date. We would like to thank the staff at Gentiva Hospice for their compassion, wonderful care, and support for the final weeks at the end of his life. 

We will always love him and dearly miss him, especially his laughter, wisdom, big smile, and kindness.