Kenneth I. Fligg Jr.

Kenneth I. Fligg, Jr. passed away June 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 14, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 40th and Main in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ken was born October 25, 1934, to Kenneth I. Fligg, Sr. and Catherine Muehlschuster Fligg. He graduated from Rockhurst High School, the University of Kansas, and the University of Kansas School of Law. In 1958, he married Margaret “Margie” Campbell. Together, they raised three children: Cathy, Carolyn, and Bill.

Ken’s distinguished legal career spanned more than 67 years. He began practicing law in 1957 with the firm of Slagle and Bernard, now Swanson Bernard, where his late father had also been a partner. He quickly became a trusted legal counselor in the Kansas City community. In 2003, he was named one of Kansas City’s most respected attorneys by The Business Journal’s Best of the Bar. Never being quite ready to retire, Ken was still working on the afternoon of June 2 alongside his indispensable secretary of 40 years, Cindy Schaaf.

A devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Ken served as Senior Warden of the vestry and in numerous other leadership roles. He was past president of St. Paul’s Day School and a longtime member of its Executive Committee. He also served as Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of West Missouri and was later honored as Chancellor Emeritus.

Ken gave generously of his time to many civic and charitable organizations, including the Heart of America United Way, United Community Services, the Helping Hand, and the Blind Children’s Nursery. He was especially committed to the mission of St. Luke’s Hospital, where he served for many years on its Executive, Governance, and Joint Conference Committees. In 2003, Ken and Margie were jointly honored as St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation Fellows—the first couple to receive this recognition together.

He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Sunset Hill School and oversaw its merger with Pembroke Country Day School, forming what is now Pembroke Hill. A longtime member of Mission Hills Country Club, Ken served on its Executive Committee and as President. He was also a member of the Society of Fellows at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

But what we will remember most about Ken is his capacity for love and friendship. He was important to everyone in his orbit. Ken was generous with his time and his attention. He was intellectually curious and found much of life wonderfully funny. He could shape a marvelous story. He knew how to listen. He was an excellent friend.

Ken enjoyed working in his garden, frequently saying “just wait ‘til next year”. He read widely, his tastes ranging from theology to architecture, fiction to history. He was particularly pleased to encounter a really good mystery, better yet a series. Ken had an appreciation of the beautiful- of orchids, of dry red wines, but especially of his beautiful Margie. He cherished his children and their spouses and his eight grandchildren, and they all adored him. His sister, Nancy, was his best friend and he treasured their talks and shared love for books.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 54 years, Margie. He was also preceded by his companion in later years, Courtney Earnest.

Ken is survived by his children and grandchildren: Cathy Frame and her husband, Mark; Carolyn Sterbenz and her husband, Dan; and Bill Fligg and his wife, Jessica; as well as his grandchildren: Cassie Sterbenz McInerny (Alex), Maggie Frame Slater (Bryson), Anna Frame (fiancé Evan Bloom), Emma Sterbenz, Nick Fligg, Ashley Fligg, Grace Frame, and Meghan Fligg. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Hampton, his cousin Alice Katherine Burke, and his nieces and nephews.

Ken’s life was one of service, love, and integrity. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 11 E. 40th St., Kansas City, MO 64111; St. Luke's Hospice House, 3516 Summit Street, Kansas City, MO 64111; or St. Luke’s Foundation, 901 E. 104th Street, Kansas City, MO 64131.

The service will also be livestreamed on St. Paul’s YouTube channel found at youtube.com/@stpaulskcmo