Leroy Cundiff

C. Leroy Cundiff passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, at John Knox Village. Leroy was born at home in Haddam, Kansas, on January 26, 1936 to Floyd and Evalyn Cundiff. In 1941 the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where his father took a job with the US Postal Service. In 1943, they welcomed the addition of Leroy’s sister, Patti.

Leroy graduated from Central High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Anadale (Annie) Salmon. He was an Eagle Scout and served six years in the National Guard. While continuing his education, Leroy began working at Armco Steel. Within a few years, he and Annie welcomed four children, Debbie, Jim, Dan, and Jon. Leroy graduated from Rockhurst College with a BA in Business Administration. At Armco, Leroy was instrumental in designing and installing computer systems to analyze and refine processes that would modernize steel-making in the Kansas City plant. He served as Superintendent of both the #1 and #2 Melt Shops and was a member of the Electric Metal Makers Guild. Leroy retired from Armco after 35 years and worked with the SGL Carbon Group for another 9 years.

As their family grew, Leroy and Annie moved to Raytown and later to Lees Summit, where their children grew up, graduated from college, and started families of their own. The Cundiff family played together. Family weekends revolved around skiing trips, rafting trips, boating and foosball competitions. Leroy was an avid golfer, a true-blue Royals fan and a passionate Chiefs fan who enjoyed season tickets for many years.

Leroy was a devoted member of the Countryside Methodist Church in Raytown and later the Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit. He spent countless hours helping with the woodwork in the new church, serving on lay committees, and aiding with the rebuilding of Greensburg, Kansas, after a tornado nearly destroyed the town in 2007. He and Annie remained active members at Woods Chapel even after they moved to John Knox in 2020.

Leroy was an immense positive influence in his family. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. His heart was big and his sense of humor was boundless. His passing will leave a hole in the hearts of many friends and family members.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Annie, of John Knox Village; his children Debbie Harp, Jim Cundiff (Wendy), Jon Cundiff (Vicky) of Lee’s Summit, and Dan Cundiff (Lisa) of Edwardsville, IL; nine grandchildren: Sara Harp Smith (Josh), Ryan Harp (Ashley), Madison Cundiff, Natalie Cundiff, Kelsey Ryan (Bryan), A.J. Cundiff (Ashlyn), Sean Cundiff, Brandon Cundiff (Katie), Cameron Cundiff; six great grandchildren; and sister, Patti Browder, also of Lee’s Summit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Evalyn Cundiff.

Leroy’s life will be celebrated at the Floral Hills Funeral Chapel, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO, on Monday, March 18, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. and a service will follow at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hillcrest Transitional Housing, P.O. Box 901924, Kansas City, MO 64190, [email protected].