The Excelsior Standard, Dec. 20, 2024

Dr. Douglas Nesporty

Dr. Douglas Wayne Nespory, age 64, died unexpectedly Nov. 27, 2024, at North Kansas City Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was the son of Darle Wayne Nespory and Judith (Judy) Ann Thomas. He graduated in 1978 from Liberty High School and went on to fulfill a degree in zoology from Northwest Missouri State University, where he was a founding father of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and running back for the football team. Following his undergraduate years, he received a doctorate degree in 1986 in osteopathic medicine from the University of Health Sciences in Kansas City.

In 1987, he did an internship at Charles E. Still Hospital in Jefferson City and completed his general surgery training in 1992 at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Following his general surgery residency, he completed a fellowship in peripheral vascular surgery in 1993.

Dr. Nespory was board certified in both general and vascular surgery.

In 1993, he went to Joplin. On Jan. 1, 1994, he established a solo practice and practiced in Joplin until December 2003, at which time he moved his practice to Liberty, followed by practicing in Excelsior Springs, beginning in 2019. On Sept. 30, 2024, he retired.

He loved working and taking care of his farm with his wife and spending time with family. He was a big Ohio State fan, enjoyed watching college football, the Chiefs and the Royals.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Sheryl; children, Shelby King (Josh) of Nixa and Kyle Nespory (Shelbi) of Kansas City; stepson, Dr. Austin Lehr (Mandy) of Liberty; mother, Judy, also of Liberty; brother, Michael (Dianne) of Platte City; and sister, Kelly (Mike) of Kansas City. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Rylee Chavez (Eric), Regan Juhnke (Levi), Reese Lehr, Rowan Lehr, Rhett Lehr, Kalli King, Josiah King, Cora King and Judah King; and great-grandchildren, Jedidiah Juhnke and Emery Juhnke.

He was preceded in death by his father, maternal grandparents and paternal grandparents.

Dr. Nespory was a colonel in the Army National Guard for 12 years. He was a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons, as well as the Missouri Association of Osteopathic Physicians and American Osteopathic Association.

He married the love of his life on Jan. 3, 1998, in Carthage; and they worked side by side for 31 years as doctor and nurse. He was a kind and humble man who was slow to anger, a dedicated surgeon who always brought a sense of calm in intense situations. He had a wonderful bedside manner and an innate ability to explain surgical procedures or any medical diagnosis in a manner that was easy to understand. Many patients would call the office to ask questions unrelated to surgery because they trusted Dr. Nespory.

He was always considerate and well-liked by the operating room staff. He was always available for patients and medical staff. His patients and their families were a priority from the moment they met, whether it was a simple procedure or a lifesaving surgery. He had an extensive skill set and he operated with finesse. He felt being a surgeon wasn’t a career but a lifestyle, and he put others’ needs before his own. He would not compromise his integrity and always tried to do the right thing in every situation, even if his decision was not popular.

In lieu of flowers, the family urges everyone to take care of your health, take a day off sometime, spend time with family and not feel guilty about taking a day off once in a while.