Andrew Fitzsimmons, age 25, (a quarter of a century) of Lenexa, Kansas passed away on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Andrew was born in Johnson County, Kansas to Tony and Renea (Lackey) Fitzsimmons. Andrew attended preschool and elementary schools in Rockwall, Texas. Math was his favorite subject. He participated in Angel League T-baseball. He attended and was confirmed at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. He loved going to Scottish Rite Hospital Spina Bifida summer camps and Project Reach activities.
Andrew continued his education in Kansas with Tony and wife Betty, sister Liza and brother Liam. He finished Brookridge Elementary, Mission Woods Middle School and received his high school diploma in 2016 from Shawnee Mission South. High school highlights included attending Homecoming football game, going to the dance with his friend Amanda, and taking photos for his senior yearbook. His summers were spent in Texas with his grandparents.
After Andrew’s graduation, he took up residency with his grandparents Steve and Mary Ann Fitzsimmons in Lenexa, KS. Andrew’s independence, self-esteem, and number of friends blossomed by his attending Project Clear classes each fall and spring from 2016 to 2021 at Johnson County Community College. Andrew obtained Independent Living and Employment Skills Completion Certificates.
Andrew’s favorite hobbies included the weather, all electronics, TV shows, puzzles, games and cards.
Andrew’s activities included going out to eat and movies with family and friends; bowling, fishing, baseball, and parties with the Jo Co Parks and Rec Special Olympics Ranger friends. He also participated in the YMCA Challenger bowling, basketball and dance parties. The iCARE (Inclusive Catholic Activities and Religious Experiences) community bi-monthly masses and parties at Queen of the Holy Rosary parish were highlights of every month. Those many strong supportive friendships have been a source of great joy.
Andrew loved going to summer camps thru Texas Scottish Rite Hospital/ Spina Bifida Assn, Texas Project REACH, Kansas Children’s Hospital/ Spina Bifida, SOAR, Catholic camp, Inclusion Connections, and Missouri’s Camp Barnabus.
Andrew never knew a stranger. He was loving, outgoing, grateful, and compassionate to everyone he met. God sent Andrew to minister and teach all of us.
Andrew was preceded in death by his brother Lukas.
Andrew is survived by his mother Renea Lackey, his dad Robert Anthony (Tony) and bonus mom Betty (Choi) Fitzsimmons, his sister Liza, his brother Liam; Uncle Mark and Aunt Debbie (Bishop) and cousin Stephen Fitzsimmons; Aunt Judy and Uncle Brian; Uncle Tony and Marie and children; Paternal grandparents Stephen and Mary Ann (Burns) Fitzsimmons; maternal grandparents Sherron and Keith Hearold; maternal Grandpa Que’ Paso’; numerous maternal aunts, uncles and cousins; and Grandmother Nancy Choi.
“If you will be attending any of the services, please wear a mask and social distance.” Visitation for Andrew will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Road, Roeland Park, Kansas 66205.
Special thank you to our village of family and friends that helped Andrew through his life’s journey.
Contributions in Andrew's memory may be made to EMBRACE (Enriching Many By Reaching All in Catholic Education) embraceks.org, c/o Jim Kernell, 8900 State Line Road, Ste 500, Leawood, KS 66206 Special POPS; iCARE Ministries (Inclusive Catholic Activities and Religious Experiences), 8121 W. 129th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66213 US, https://icare-ministries.org/; Johnson County Parks and Rec Special POPS Rangers, 6501 Antioch Road, Bldg D, Merriam, KS 66202; Project CLEAR, Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210; or YMCA of Greater Kansas Adaptive Programs, attn: Raegan Schurr, 1999 Iron Street, North Kansas City, Missouri 64116.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Fitzsimmons family.
