Michael Stephen Cessna

He was born in Kansas City, September 2, 1960. Michael graduated high school in Rogers, Arkansas and received his law degree with Honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He went on to receive Master Degrees with Honors in International and Comparative Law from Georgetown University and Admiralty and Maritime Law from Tulane University.

Michael enjoyed a distinguished legal career. He was currently employed at Lathrop & Gage LLP in Kansas City. Prior to that, he worked with Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice in KC, Krebs Farley & Pelleteri in New Orleans, University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Walmart Stores Legal Department in Bentonville, the U.S. State Department, and served as an aide to U.S. Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt. His works were published in numerous legal publications.

Michael loved reading, listening to music, especially jazz, and spending time on his boat at Beaver Lake.

He is survived by his son, Matthew Collins Cessna, whom he loved dearly, his parents Michael and Alta Cessna, his brother Mitch Cessna, his sisters Allison Cooper and Lesley Kontowicz, five nieces, and three nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm, Saturday, August 20, 2011 at McGilly Memorial Chapel on State Line in Kansas City, Missouri.