Deborah Ann McCloskey

Deborah A. “Debbie” McCloskey, 71, of Kansas City, Missouri was born on April 15, 1952. She was born to Paul and Julia Bears and had 3 siblings. She departed this life on Wednesday morning October 18th 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Beverly Bears.

Debbie was a graduate of East High School of Kansas City, Missouri. On December 1st of 1973 she married William W. McCloskey Jr. and they spent the last 49 years together. They had 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Their first child Kimberly was born on their Anniversary 4 years later.

Debbie’s family owned and operated Bears Hairstyling where she started her career as a beautician on 24th and Van Brunt Blvd. in Kansas City, Missouri. She moved the salon to her home in the late 80s and operated it herself for many years. She then became the marketing Director at Harrah’s Casino in North Kansas City, Missouri then moved to Prairie Band Casino in Topeka, Kansas and then ended her casino career with Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs, Iowa. She moved back to Kansas City and retired from the IRS. In between working, she also coached softball at Minute Circle Friendly House and volleyball at St. Stephen's Academy where she also worked the before and after daycare, cafeteria, and as a teachers aid. In her free time she enjoyed traveling, camping, gambling, reading and being with her family and friends.

Debbie is survived by her husband, William now of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; her 2 children, Kimberly (Steve) Drope of Kansas City, Missouri and William “Billy Paul” (Paula) McCloskey; their 2 children, Franklin and Annamarie of Pleasant Hill, Missouri; her sister, Jackie Bears of Grain Valley, Missouri; her twin brother, David Bears (Marliss) of Independence, Missouri; her niece, Samantha (Mike) Lockwood and their 3 children, Emmalee, Brooke and Mason of Grain Valley, Missouri; and her best friend of over 55 years, Patti Mandina of Parkville, Missouri.

A visitation for Deborah will be held Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at McGilley & Sheil Funeral Home, 11924 East 47th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. For family and close friends, we are having a luncheon after the service at Billy Paul & Paula's house where Bill also resides. Please bring a covered dish of your choice. Drinks will be supplied. Outdoor and Indoor seating available. Address is 33607 E. 199th St, Pleasant Hill, MO 64080. Debbie's daughter-in-law, Paula has a floral shop and will be available for floral needs. Please contact Paula at 816-929-0522 (Paula's Petals)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for the McCloskey family.