Marcial J. Suarez

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on April 20, 1937, graduated from Southeast High School in 1955, and met the love of his life and future wife, Joyce Lilly, in 1958. His first job was at the Bond Bakery and then went to work at the Rival manufacturing plant in the Kansas City Leeds Industrial area. Marcial and Joyce were married on July 4, 1959, and he was drafted into the United States Army in September 1960, was stationed at several Army posts in the United States, and then proudly served for thirteen months in the U.S. Army Military Police in South Korea until September 1962. After serving his country, he returned to his wife in Kansas City and began his career at General Motors Corporation where he worked for 30 years until his retirement in September 1992. While working at General Motors, he also worked as a full-time house painter to earn vacation money and ride out the annual layoffs at the GM plant. He was a dedicated and generous provider for his family and relatives and took pride in his work and overcoming his challenging childhood.

He treasured every day of the 66 years of marriage with his wife Joyce, the farm girl that stole his heart and to whom he committed his life. He was a beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and uncle to his family. He loved his three sisters and set a great example for his two sons, Derrick and Steven. His hard work and dedication provided many wonderful vacations with family and friends and opportunities for his family. He treasured traveling with his wife, family, and friends to their favorite locations in Lake Tahoe, Florida, Hawaii, Branson, and San Diego. He enjoyed showing and cruising in his classic, turquoise 1957 Chevy Bel Air 4-door hardtop. He and Joyce were members of the Heart of America Chevy Club where they enjoyed many car shows, events, and made new life-long friends. He and Joyce loved to host parties and gatherings for family and friends and share their blessings, laughter, and warm wishes with everyone they met.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Marcial Suarez Sr. and Alicia Madero Suarez; infant brother, David; and three sisters, Virginia Galindo, Ann Florez, and Pauline Dunn.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons, Derrick (wife Jill) and Steven (wife Donna); two granddaughters, Rachel Peterson (husband Jacob) and Julia Suarez, three grandsons, Zak, Jace, and Gannon Suarez; and three great grandchildren, Declan, Henry, and Flora Peterson, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to family and friends for their friendship, wonderful memories, and loving support and prayers.

Visitation is on January 29, 2026, from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at the Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO. Memorial mass will be held at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church, 8941 James A Reed Road, Kansas City, MO, on January 30, 2026, at 11:00am, followed by a graveside burial service at Floral Hills Cemetery. A funeral luncheon will immediately follow at the parish hall at St. John Francis Regis Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Disabled American Veterans organization.