Kevin Dwight Gwaltney, 45, was received in the arms of the Lord on January 29, 2023, at his home in Dodge City. His earthly suffering has ceased.
Kevin was born on June 20, 1977, and is a 5th generation native of Dodge City. He was the owner and president of Diamond Roofing and was an active and well-respected member of his community. As a young boy, Kevin was a spectacular athlete in football, track & field, and excelled particularly in the game of basketball. He was involved with local basketball through his teenage years and was a valuable part of his AAU Basketball team through his time in high school. After a Jayhawk Conference Championship at Dodge City Community College, Kevin went on to play NCAA Division 1 basketball for one season at Wichita State University and then two years at Fort Hay State University. His claim-to-fame in his playing career was breaking Eric Chenowith’s (KU basketball) nose in an exhibition game as a Fort Hays State University Tiger; the lone highlight in an otherwise lopsided affair. Kevin went on to finish his bachelor’s degree in business/finance at Kansas State University. Kevin was recently inducted into the DC3 Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, an honor for which he was incredibly proud. Kevin was an avid lover of the Jayhawks, Wildcats, and Chiefs, and not to mention country music.
After college, Kevin returned to Dodge City to contribute his knowledge and experience to his family’s roofing business. It was here that he met Jordan and the two started their journey together in life. After a brief respite in St. Louis, Missouri, Kevin and Jordan returned to Dodge City to run the family business since his mom and dad moved to Manhattan in an effort to more broadly serve the Kansas roofing construction market. Kevin’s father Rick passed away unexpectedly in 2011 at which point Kevin took the reins of the business and has continued its success to this very day. In addition to the time and attention he devoted to his family and his business, for the past 16 years Kevin continually served in leadership roles in the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association, where he was ultimately elevated to the association’s President. Most recently, Kevin has served on the Board of Directors of the National Roofing Contractors Association, all the while continuing to serve the roofing industry through the MRCA in various positions.
More significant than his dedication to his work and community, was his love and devotion for his wife and daughters. Each of them will be forever blessed with lasting memories of his kindness, strong work ethic, sense of humor, and dedication to family. Madison will always remember their wild rides on the golf cart (rarely actually on a golf course). Alyssa will cherish the day her dad gifted their family with a new piano, her fingers gracing the keys with the music of a true artist. And Raegan, the sweetness of her daddy’s lap, while they laid the day to rest while reading or watching a movie. For Jordan, the loss will burn forever, but her passion for life, for her children, and for their family’s future will live on with Kevin’s influence.
Kevin was a generous contributor to his church community, to local sports, both youth and high school, and the Dodge City Roundup Rodeo. Kevin was committed to helping his community grow and flourish and was an active member of the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce.
Kevin is reunited in everlasting life with his father, Dwight “Rick” L. Gwaltney, III, along with his paternal grandparents, Dwight Gwaltney, Jr. and June Gwaltney both of Hutchinson; his maternal grandparents, Samuel Caughron and Maxine Nevins Caughron both of Dodge City. Kevin leaves behind a loving wife of 19 years, Dr. Jordan Gwaltney of Dodge City, and his three beautiful daughters, Madison (16 years), Alyssa (13 years) and Raegan (8 years). Kevin is also survived by his mother, Patricia Gwaltney of Dodge City and his 3 sisters, Laura Gwaltney Mead of Dodge City, Monica Cameron and husband Marc of Manhattan, and Andrea Platt and husband Ryan of Manhattan, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Please join his family as we honor him with a funeral service on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church in Dodge City. Graveside service will follow at Maple Gove Cemetery in Dodge City. A reception following the graveside service will be held at the Dodge City Country Club to receive family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.