Kansas City Funeral Directors

Steven Lewis Graham

Steven Lewis Graham departed this life March 30, 2020. He is the second
son of Kenneth Lee and Rosie (Thomas) Graham. Born October 06, 1949
in Fort Scott, Kansas. The young family moved to Kansas City, Kansas
when Steve was six months old. The family was joined by little sister
DeAnn in 1961.
Steve graduated from Wyandotte H.S, in 1967, not attending his own
graduation. He worked at Griffs Drive-In while going to school. Upon his
graduation he worked at Hallmark for about a year then began a lifelong
career in 1969 with Kansas Gas Service. He started as a serviceman,
moving to A/C man, dispatcher and finally “working foreman”. Retiring in
2007 after thirty-six years.
One of his lifelong friends, Jim Vogel had encouraged him to come to work
at the gas company. Along with working there he was a staunch Union
man. Upon Jim’s promotion, Steve became the president of the
Steelworkers Local 12561 Union. A position he held until he retired.
Steve was in the Army, overnight. He joined but the next day he was told
because of a problem in one knee he couldn’t serve.
March 11, 1978 Steve met his future wife, Sharyn at a private club in
Kansas City, Kansas. At that time he was living in Shawnee. In June 1986
Steve proposed, they married the following October.
Sharyn had been married before, both sons were out on their own. Steve
became Grandpa to their children and Great Grandpa to their children’s
babies. Eight grandchildren, nine greats with two more on the way this
year.
He was “Uncle” to five, one nephew, four nieces, “Great Uncle” to nine,
three girls, six boys. The youngest, Abner was born Feb 28 in Moline,
Illinois. Beside the niece (Michele) in Moline, he has a niece (Christa) in
Independence and another (Natalie) in Portland, Oregon. His brother’s son
and daughter (Aaron and Erica) are both living in California.
Steve and Sharyn traveled all over the country on “union trips”, Las Vegas,
San Diego, Portland, New Orleans, just to name a few. They also traveled
after Steve retired. Hawaii in 2011 for their 25th anniversary. Bangor,
Maine in 2014, sadly for Sharyn’s sister-in-law’s funeral. Their last trip was
to San Diego in 2018 after they had to say goodbye to their beloved puppy
girl, Brandi. Steve got Brandi for Sharyn and brought her to her forever
home at eight weeks. Don’t tell Sharyn but Brandi LOVED Steve best.
Steve was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer, having taken up golf late.
He always said he wasn’t very good at it but he had fun.
After retirement he joined a coffee group at Oak Park Mall with other
retirees from an assortment of professions.
Everywhere Steve went he made friends, keeping his old friends close,
much like his parents.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of thirty-three plus years, his brother
Dale, his sister DeAnn, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and
nephews, great nieces and nephews, countless friends, extended family
and his Union brothers.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a future date.

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez

Cruz (Ruth) Martinez, 93, Roeland Park, formerly of Kansas City, Kansas, died peacefully in her home on March 18, 2020, surrounded by two of her children who had lovingly cared for her. She is survived by sons, Antonio Martinez Jr. and Mario Martinez; daughters Maria Schuepbach (Tom), Veronica Sellers (Jere), and Pamela Martinez; 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; sister Mary Ann Marquez; and brothers Louis Marquez and Peter Marquez.
Cruz was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Inez Marquez; brothers Lupe Marquez, John Marquez, and Antonio Marquez, Jr.; sisters Mary Ramirez, Phyllis Rocha, and Theresa Jenkins; and son, Rene Martinez.
Due to current restrictions, only a private family service will be held.
Cruz was born in Kansas City, Kansas, where she spent most of her life. A devoted daughter and mother, in addition to raising her family, she lovingly cared for her parents as they aged. She later gave all of her time and devotion to her beloved grandchildren, whom she babysat, drove to all types of activities, and endlessly spoiled. She continued to drive every day until late 2018. Cruz’s love of family was equaled only by her deep faith, spending time each day in prayer. She had a sharp memory and wit. She was also an excellent cook without the need of any recipe, expert seamstress and crocheter, and an avid reader. Finally, she loved to collect salt & pepper shakers. Her collection was extensive with each set having a story.
Cruz’s family thanks the caring staff of Kansas City Hospice; Sisters, Servants of Mary; and Tanya Hernandez for their care, assistance, and support, which helped the family care for Cruz at home during her final months. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Kansas City Hospice or the Sisters, Servants of Mary in Kansas City.

Paul G. McDonnell

James English, Jr.

James English, Jr. The Man. The Legend.

The best friend, neighbor, brother, uncle, father and grandfather anyone could ever ask for, James Edward English Jr. – or just “Jim” as most people knew him – passed away on March 6, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1941 to Irene Catherine English and James E. English Sr., Jim grew up in an Irish Catholic family as the oldest of nine siblings. He played basketball growing up and attended Bishop Miege High School before taking his talents to Rockhurst College.

A career with the Santa Fe Railroad took him from KC to Topeka to Texas and he made a lot of lifetime friends along the way.

Jim loved good BBQ, Joe’s KC was his favorite, a good Scotch (for him, Dewar’s), and was a sucker for a bowl of ice cream. He was a passionate sports fan -- basketball, baseball, football, golf, wiffle ball, you name it he’d watch it.

He loved his Kansas Jayhawks and got to see them win 3 titles in his lifetime (p.s. he liked their chances this year); was a die-hard Royals fan, celebrating 2 titles; and of course he loved the Chiefs, who thankfully managed to give this man one more reason to smile, pump his fist and drink champagne straight from the bottle when they won the Super Bowl in February. It was the last major event he celebrated with his family.

Jim was always a good friend. If he had time and money, he’d give it to you. If you had something going on, he’d be there if he could. He’d remember your name and always say “hello”. He always gave and never asked for anything in return. He was a man of few words, but he made it count when he did speak up.

Jim’s true passion has always been family. He was the Godfather of the family, always there to make sure things could happen and to ensure the family stuck together, especially during the holidays. He leaves behind his brothers Chris, John, Terry, and Steve; and his sisters Barbie and Patty and joins his parents, his sister Mary and brother Mike in the great beyond.

Being a parent always gave him purpose. He’d probably tell you he did it all wrong, but the truth is, he was one of a kind, stubborn and hard-nosed when he needed to be but always there when you needed a boost. His legacy lives on through his children, Thomas (Overland Park, Ks.), James, III (Strongsville, Ohio), Timothy (Merriam, Ks.) and Tricia (Santa Fe, NM).

More than anything, Jim loved being a Grandpa. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren – Jim’s kids: Cody, Connor, and Courtney; Tom’s kids: Drew, Mallory, Megan, Ryan and Tommy; Tricia’s kid: Chloe; and Tim’s kids: Nicolas, Owen, and Zoe. He never missed a game, race, play, band or concert, and he loved that he got to be even a small part in each of their lives.

Jim will be missed by friends and family. He was one of the greats. RIP, big guy. Rock Chalk.

Private Family Service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations to be made to the Johnson County Meals on Wheels organization:
https://jocogov.3dcartstores.com/Meals-on-Wheels-Donation_p_18.html?fbclid=IwAR1sjSMbXpAsITLixZjTKb6CBAYFrb0uUR7x6mRt1W5NYe_gDaHl7xQ1Q9M

Stanley "Rick" Billups

Stanley "Rick" Billups

Stanley "Rick" Billups, 65 of Kansas City, Kansas away March 09, 2020.

Celebration of Life, March 22, 2020 with service at 4 pm and visitation at 3 pm at New Story Church, 5500 Woodend Ave.,
Kansas City, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by parents Mary Barbara and Stanley "Pinky" Billups and siblings Danny and Mary. Rick is survived by wife of 36 years Karen; 4 children Bret, Jason(Lisa), Les and Melissa; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and 6 siblings Mike, Patrick, Mark, Paula, Nancy and Juanita.