Kenneth James Mclaughlin

Kenneth James McLaughlin of Kansas City, Missouri passed away June 1, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born on June 12, 1969 in Independence, Kansas to Melvin and Florence “Hare” McLaughlin.

When Kenny was born the family lived in Olathe, Kansas out by the lake. They later moved to Edgerton, Kansas where they took care of the Lanesfield Museum. Kenny attended kindergarten in Edgerton. The family later moved to Wellsville, Kansas where he attended Wellsville Grade School and High School graduating in the class of 1987. He attended Pittsburg State College in Pittsburg, Kansas where he graduated from Automotive school in 1991. After college he began his automotive career with a small shop but in 1992 found his home at Autobahn Motorwerks of Kansas City, Missouri where he was employed until the time of his passing.

He grew up and spent the majority of his life in Wellsville, Kansas. In 2010 he moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he remained until the time of his passing.

Kenny loved the outdoors. As a child he and his friend Jim Clift would find every mud hole they could get their bikes in and come home covered and loved it. He loved fishing with his Uncle Jim and cousin Randy Hare. He loved playing baseball all through his school years. He loved getting together for the Hare family gatherings on Memorial Weekend and Christmas, which included many gag gifts that may have involved a buzzard and rat. He enjoyed golfing with his family and friends. He was a diehard fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and KU Men’s Basketball. He enjoyed building things with his hands like woodworking or starting random projects when he was bored. He took pride in his garden and abundance of tomatoes that he’d grow. He loved grilling and smoking meat on the smoker he built himself. His favorite place to vacation was Florida because he enjoyed the warmth of the sun and hated the snow.

Kenny is survived by his partner Stephanie Hull and her daughter Jessica Hull. His mother Florence McLaughlin and brother Steve (Kimberly) McLaughlin. His nieces Kashmir (John) Goller, Brittany (Eric) Marsh and Riley McLaughlin and nephew Cody McLaughlin. Great nephews Liam, Owen and John and great niece Willow. Along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his father Melvin McLaughlin and infant brother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the America Heart Association. www.heart.org