It's been almost one year (December 19th, 2020) since my friend Dave Compton passed his earthly test and graduated to Heaven. I feel blessed to have known him, and Dave's contribution to barbeque is a wonderful story to tell.
In March of 2008, I became a Certified Barbeque Judge (CBJ) with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Later in July, I rolled in to Waterloo, Iowa to judge my first competition at the BBQ'Loo and Blues, Too! It was at this contest when I first met fellow BBQ judge Dave Compton, who literally became my Ambassador to competition barbeque.
Dave's hospitality and his eagerness to help me out as a BBQ judge made me feel at home immediately. The more we talked about BBQ and judging, the more informed I became and the more comfortable I felt about the whole process. Dave provided a warm welcome to the sport.
BBQ'Loo was located in Lincoln Park, a little town square in downtown Waterloo. BBQ teams lined up on all four sides. It was here that Dave's hospitality shined when he gave me the grand tour. We walked the square and he introduced me to each and every BBQ team. This would be the start of a life-long friendship. It was clear, even at this early juncture, that Dave was admired by all.
Plowboys BBQ Pitmaster, Todd Michael Johns, said in a recent social media post that Dave Compton was "the most universally loved person in BBQ." Todd nailed it.
I always looked forward to seeing Dave and his wife, Erma at contests (he loved her like no other and she passed prior Dave). Dave Compton was a jovial character with a quick wit and his love for people (and BBQ) was evident in his demeanor. You could not help but have a good time when Dave Compton was around. On Fridays, the day before competition, he would walk from team to team pulling a wheeled cooler filled with beer and smoked cheese, always willing to share. He smoked his own cheeses and brought blocks of it to competitions for judges and cooks to enjoy. When I arrived at a BBQ contest, the first thing I looked for was Dave and his smoked cheese. So delicious!
I remember one time I walked up to Dave, as he was slicing into a block of cheese, and I asked, "Are you done cutt'n the cheese yet, Dave?" He replied, "In more ways than one, Herbie. Straight outta Compton!" - and his deep hearty laugh would follow.
In March of 2008, I became a Certified Barbeque Judge (CBJ) with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS). Later in July, I rolled in to Waterloo, Iowa to judge my first competition at the BBQ'Loo and Blues, Too! It was at this contest when I first met fellow BBQ judge Dave Compton, who literally became my Ambassador to competition barbeque.
Dave's hospitality and his eagerness to help me out as a BBQ judge made me feel at home immediately. The more we talked about BBQ and judging, the more informed I became and the more comfortable I felt about the whole process. Dave provided a warm welcome to the sport.
BBQ'Loo was located in Lincoln Park, a little town square in downtown Waterloo. BBQ teams lined up on all four sides. It was here that Dave's hospitality shined when he gave me the grand tour. We walked the square and he introduced me to each and every BBQ team. This would be the start of a life-long friendship. It was clear, even at this early juncture, that Dave was admired by all.
Plowboys BBQ Pitmaster, Todd Michael Johns, said in a recent social media post that Dave Compton was "the most universally loved person in BBQ." Todd nailed it.
I always looked forward to seeing Dave and his wife, Erma at contests (he loved her like no other and she passed prior Dave). Dave Compton was a jovial character with a quick wit and his love for people (and BBQ) was evident in his demeanor. You could not help but have a good time when Dave Compton was around. On Fridays, the day before competition, he would walk from team to team pulling a wheeled cooler filled with beer and smoked cheese, always willing to share. He smoked his own cheeses and brought blocks of it to competitions for judges and cooks to enjoy. When I arrived at a BBQ contest, the first thing I looked for was Dave and his smoked cheese. So delicious!
I remember one time I walked up to Dave, as he was slicing into a block of cheese, and I asked, "Are you done cutt'n the cheese yet, Dave?" He replied, "In more ways than one, Herbie. Straight outta Compton!" - and his deep hearty laugh would follow.
 I loved those baggies of smoked cheese. |  This cheese was so delicious and cam in many verities and flavors. YUM! |  Dave Compton cutt'n the cheese! |
In 2015 Dave invited me to cook with him at the Sam's Club BBQ contest in Des Moines, IA. What a blast! We did not win, but Dave got 2nd Place in Ribs competing amongst all these pros. Nothing like watching a BBQ judge rise to the top in a pro contest at awards time. What a memory. I remember clearly when it came down to the wire and it was Dave Compton and Ryan Newstrom (Big T's Que Cru) waiting for the final call on ribs. Ryan was rooting for Dave to win and it is this comradery in the sport of BBQ that I love.
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Dave was a big fan of Frostbuster, a small contest in Colo, Iowa hosted by Smokehouse 72 BBQ team. We both enjoyed attending this event because it would allow judges to discuss their scores eye-to-eye with cooks. A learning experience for all, and no one left with a bloody nose. I judged BBQ with Dave at a lot of contests and it was always a joy to share a table with him.
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I would often cook with Bubba & Sabrina Knapp (Bubba-Q's) on the competition circuit and Dave would stop by after judging and say hi - especially when Sabrina had her hamballs on hand. He loved those hamballs! Dave and I met at Bubba-Q's restaurant in Ottumwa, Iowa a few times for lunch and dinner. He loved that place. We enjoyed meeting at various BBQ joints when time permitted to catch up on life and talk Q.
 Dave Compton and Robert "Bubba" Knapp hanging out at a BBQ contest. We always enjoyed Dave's company. |  Sabrina Knapp's Hamballs. Dave Compton loved this! In fact, everyone did. This was potluck paradise! |  Robert "Bubba" Knapp with Buzz Dean and Dave Compton at a potluck in Boone, Iowa. |
We visited Darren and Sherry Warth's Smokey D's in Des Moines, IA. Dave ordered a huge plate stacked with fries and all kinds of toppings. I don't know how the heck he finished eating all of it, but he did. Another time we met at Shad and Angie Kurton's Kue'd Smokehouse in Waukee, IA and it was there he first introduced me to his brother, Bo Compton. That was a special day, indeed. I took a photo of Dave gnawing on some really big beef ribs. He used it as his FB profile pic and I see the Iowa BBQ Society has adopted it on their website. That photo embodies Dave's love for BBQ.
 Dave gnawing on a big beef rib at Kue'd Smokehouse in Waukee, Iowa. |  Herb Kane, Bo Compton and Dave Compton at Kue'd |  Dave devoured this plate of food at Smokey D's in Des Moines. Wow! |
Watch Dave Make Smoked Cheese!
One of my best friends from high school, Mike Hall, trained with me to become a CBJ. I introduced him to Dave and Dave took immediate interest in Mike's finger tattoos. Under each knuckle is a letter. When Mike holds his fists together it reads, "HARD CASE" (a line taken from his favorite movie Cool Hand Luke). Dave loved it and from that point on always referred to Mike as "Mikey Knuckles." Hilarious!
Mikey Knuckles, knuckles.
 Dave Compton and Mike Hall having a fun conversation at a BBQ contest. |  Mike Hall, Mike Green and Dave Compton in the judge tent. |  Mike Hall and I at a contest preparing to judge BBQ |
Dave was not always about fun and games. He took BBQ competitions very serious. I recognized this and in 2011 I invited him to write a blog on my BBQ Critic site. Dave accepted. If you get time, browse through Dave's writings. His humor and wisdom is evident.
Dave had a penchant for uniting judges and cooks at Friday potlucks, a common theme in his blogs. He wanted everyone to get along and have fun in this sport. Dave (user name Rookie48 and also known as Judge #6) wrote about his favorite online community called The BBQ Brethren. By the end of 2011, Dave announced his run for the KCBS Board of Directors and he won. He served on committees for philanthropy, and the Rules Committee.
In 2013, Dave Compton and I conducted a KCBS Certified BBQ Judges Roundtable Discussion at the Iowa Barbeque Society banquet. We displayed the BBQ Critic website on a large projection screen and discussed BBQ boxes involving a myriad of topics. It was a fun time. Cherished memories.
Dave had a penchant for uniting judges and cooks at Friday potlucks, a common theme in his blogs. He wanted everyone to get along and have fun in this sport. Dave (user name Rookie48 and also known as Judge #6) wrote about his favorite online community called The BBQ Brethren. By the end of 2011, Dave announced his run for the KCBS Board of Directors and he won. He served on committees for philanthropy, and the Rules Committee.
In 2013, Dave Compton and I conducted a KCBS Certified BBQ Judges Roundtable Discussion at the Iowa Barbeque Society banquet. We displayed the BBQ Critic website on a large projection screen and discussed BBQ boxes involving a myriad of topics. It was a fun time. Cherished memories.
 Dave Compton, Ed Hartman and Herb Kane at the Iowa Barbeque Society Banquet |  Preparing the projection screen for the Certified BBQ Judges Roundtable Discussion |  Herb Kane and Dave Compton answering question during the presentation of BBQ boxes. |
Yes, Dave Compton was universally loved by all in the BBQ community because of his fun nature, his willingness to help others and his contributions to the sport serving in multiple capacities including cook, judge and a KCBS board member. We see others express their love toward Dave during high points in his BBQ journey.
When Dave judged his 30th contest April 3, 2010 (a qualifier to become a Master BBQ Judge), he was given a special plaque from Smokin' On Big Creek BBQ competition (Pleasant Hill, MO). My favorite is when Dave judged his 100th contest at the Kiwanis BBQ Contest (Nevada, Iowa) August 24th, 2013. My good friends Francis and Christine Dutton (Smokin Bonz BBQ) gave Dave a special wood plaque congratulating him on his achievement.
When Dave judged his 30th contest April 3, 2010 (a qualifier to become a Master BBQ Judge), he was given a special plaque from Smokin' On Big Creek BBQ competition (Pleasant Hill, MO). My favorite is when Dave judged his 100th contest at the Kiwanis BBQ Contest (Nevada, Iowa) August 24th, 2013. My good friends Francis and Christine Dutton (Smokin Bonz BBQ) gave Dave a special wood plaque congratulating him on his achievement.
 |  Francis and Christine Dutton (Smokin' Bonz BBQ) present Dave Compton with plaque celebrating his 100th contest judged. |  |
The Iowa Barbeque Society added The Dave Compton Award which will be awarded to a BBQ judge each year "who embodies Dave's love for judging BBQ." There are a few judges that come to mind worthy of this first award. Mike Green (he was with Dave until the end), Nancy Goldsmith (helped Dave immensley!) and Dave's BBQ pal John Parks. I can only nominate one, unfortunately. I made my decision based on what Dave wrote in his BBQ Critic blog.
Dave pointed out, "I started this journey when a buddy of mine by the name of John Parks (Q'n for Fun BBQ Team), who was a Master CBJ even way back then, invited me to a comp that he was cooking in State Center, Iowa....After I had helped (?) out at 2 or 3 comps I took the CBJ class at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa that was taught by Mike & Theresa Lake."
Dave pointed out, "I started this journey when a buddy of mine by the name of John Parks (Q'n for Fun BBQ Team), who was a Master CBJ even way back then, invited me to a comp that he was cooking in State Center, Iowa....After I had helped (?) out at 2 or 3 comps I took the CBJ class at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa that was taught by Mike & Theresa Lake."
Dave Compton and his BBQ buddy John Parks who introduced Dave to competition BBQ
If it had not been for John Parks, we may never have known Dave Compton. Thank you, John, for bringing Dave Compton into our BBQ community. So I nominate John Parks for introducing us to Dave Compton and for his long dedication as a KCBS BBQ Judge. If you have not nominated a judge yet, please do so at the link below and please consider John Parks, Mike Green or Nancy Goldsmith. I wish I could vote for all three, but I cannot.
A Celebration Of Life was held for Dave January 3, 2021 in Des Moines, Iowa. Kue'd Smokehouse catered the event with awesome food. Many of Dave's family and friends each stood up and gave a final word about Dave. It was a heart wrenching experience. I wanted to stand and say something myself, but I just couldn't do it. I get way too emotional. The best way for me to gather my thoughts about Dave is right here in this column. .
Dave Compton's Celebration of Life in Des Moines, Iowa on January 3, 2021. We all loved him.
 Dave and his brother Bo Compton talk with Sabrina Knapp as they arrive at Bubba-Q's in Ottumwa, Iowa to see Dave one last time before he moves out of state to be with his brother. |  The last photo I took of my friend, Dave Compton. at his party at Bubba-Q's in Ottumwa, Iowa. Farewell, my friend. Until we meet again. |
When my time is finally up on earth and I arrive in Heaven, I expect Dave to be waiting for me at the gates eager to take me on the grand tour, introducing me to everyone. Thank you, Dave Compton, for being a friend. You are loved by all and I look forward to that glorious day when I see you and Erma again. God Bless.
Herb Kane
BBQ Critic
Herb Kane
BBQ Critic
Editors Note: If you have a story to tell about Dave Compton, please contribute in the comments section below. Friends and family would appreciate reading it.
DAVE COMPTON SCHOLARSHIP
This has been created to honor Dave's long-standing commitment to the Kansas City Barbeque Scholarship Program
Donations may be sent to:
KCBS Foundation
2519 Madison AVE. Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64108
Check memo line should read: Compton Scholarship
or
Call 800-963-5227 to donate via credit card
The KCBS Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. All Donations are Tax-deductible
Donations may be sent to:
KCBS Foundation
2519 Madison AVE. Suite 100
Kansas City, MO 64108
Check memo line should read: Compton Scholarship
or
Call 800-963-5227 to donate via credit card
The KCBS Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization. All Donations are Tax-deductible
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