Edward P Kamler

Born on June 29, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas on Strawberry Hill, Ed was the son of Charles and Josephine Kamler. He attended St. Joseph/St. Benedict Grade School, Donnelly College, Bishop Ward High School, and graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology as a proud member of the Class of 1968. Rock Chalk.

Following college, Ed proudly served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. Stationed at Fort Baker in California, he served as a chemical laboratory specialist, an experience that laid the foundation for his 30-year career as head chemist for Kansas City Power & Light.

From an early age, Ed believed in service to others. As a young man, he earned the rank of Life Scout and later served as a Junior Assistant Scoutmaster at Camp Nash. Throughout his adult life, he remained active in his community as a member of Knights of Columbus Council 3414 and the Northland Optimist Club.

Throughout his life, Ed was known for his love of baseball and his commitment to young athletes. For four decades, he directed the North Kansas City Area Baseball League, watching countless players grow and mature through the lessons and principles found in the game. He was a determined baseball coach to his own children and to so many others. His dedication to baseball and community was recognized by the Kansas City Royals when he received the Buck O’Neil Legacy Award. His impact on generations of young athletes lives on at the A.J. Wilson Sports Complex, where the road leading to the North Kansas City Area Baseball League fields proudly bears the name Ed Kamler Way.

Ed was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Royals, the Kansas City Chiefs, Boise State, and his beloved Kansas Jayhawks. He also had a lifelong love of music, from lively polkas and classic rock and roll to jazz, the music of the Blues Brothers, and especially anything performed by his son, Bob Kamler. But his greatest joy was his family. He loved watching his children and grandchildren at ballgames, plays, concerts, recitals, and just about anywhere there was a seat where he could sneak in a little nap.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Donna Louise Kamler; his children, Shannon Boyer and her husband, Keith; Christopher Kamler and daughter-in-law, Kara; Catherine Fulks and son-in-law, Ian; Robert Kamler; and Angela Carter and her husband, Bryan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Morgan, Madyson, Andrew, Brett, Charles, Jack, Nicholas, Isaac, Cameron, and Josephine; his brother, Fred Kamler; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Josephine Kamler; his brother, Carl Thomas Kamler; and his sister, Barbara Nelson and her husband, John.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff at KU Cancer Center and St. Luke’s Hospital and Hospice team. Special thanks to his many caregivers, especially Kim, Sheena, and Wynne for the exceptional compassion and care they provided.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hope Church, 4800 NW 88th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, followed by funeral services at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, Ed would appreciate memorial contributions to the North Kansas City Area Baseball League, helping ensure future generations of young athletes continue to learn the lessons of teamwork, sportsmanship, and character that he cherished throughout his life.

Edward will be remembered as a wonderful husband, dad, Papa, Jaja, coach, mentor, and friend. Though deeply missed, the love, laughter, and lessons he shared with family and friends will remain his lasting legacy.