Kansas City resident, LeRoy Kunkel, 89, passed away peacefully May 22, 2026, at the NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, MO.

LeRoy Bernard Kunkel was born April 22, 1937 in Wein, Chariton Co., MO.  He was one of six children born to the late Ignatius and Bernadena (Hagan) Kunkel.  LeRoy attended and graduated from Bucklin High School with the class of 1955.  On May 7, 1960, he married the love of his life, Wilhelmina “Billie Lou” Fuemmeler at St. Mary Catholic Church in Glasgow, MO.  Together, the couple have enjoyed just over 66 years of marriage.  LeRoy worked in the airlines industry, working for TWA as a sheet metal operator for 35 years. He retired in 1993.

LeRoy will be remembered for his ability to find humor in anything, his immense work ethic, and his unwavering love for family and friends. Aside from working, he took pride in his garden and landscaping. He remodeled many rental properties, refurbished furniture, and was always eager to lend a helping hand. LeRoy spent his weekends going swing dancing with Billie Lou and spent time with friends and family playing hours of cards. LeRoy and Billie won many games together, making quite the team and they took pride in holding the record. 

LeRoy believed his purpose in life was to get to heaven. 

Survivors include his wife of the home, Billie Kunkel; his three children, Tamra D. Edwards, Derek J. (Lisa) Kunkel, and Gilla L. (Allan) Nordike; 12 grandchildren, Colton (Lindsay) Edwards, Kelicia (Matt) Swoboda, Jocelyn (Mitch) Kovac, Angelique (Nathan) Gonder, Mashaia Edwards, Brooke (Nick) Miller, Devin Kunkel, Drake Kunkel, Dalton Nordike, Kiera Nordike, Broderick Nordike, Alyssa Nordike, Sage Nordike and Levi Nordike; 10 great-grandchildren, Charlotte Edwards, Lucy Edwards, Ruby Edwards, Roper Edwards, Camri Swoboda, Aniston Swoboda, Holden Kovac, Hutchinson Kovac, Myla Miller and Colson Miller.  In addition to his parents, LeRoy was preceded in death by a daughter, Kelly Ann, and his five siblings, Marjorie Fessler, Mary Kathleen Fessler, John Kunkel, Norman Kunkel, and Wilma Smith.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Glasgow, MO, with Fr. Terrel Finnell officiating.  Visitation will be an hour before the service at the church starting at 10 AM.  Interment will follow services at Washington Cemetery in Glasgow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Children's Heart Foundation.  Final arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Glasgow.  Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.