Carl J. Cordes, Jr.

Carl John Cordes, Jr., 88, of Lake Tapawingo, Missouri, passed away June 1st, 2011 at Menorah Medical Center. Visitation will be Sun., June 5, from 5-8 pm, with rosary at 7 pm, at McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, O.P., KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Mon., June 6, at 10 am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 7231 Mission Rd, P.V., KS, with interment at Resurrection Cemetery immediately after.

Carl was born on Feb. 24th, 1923, to Carl and Ann Bousquet Cordes, in the Bousquet family farmhouse, on the grounds of what is now St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village. He grew up in the Waldo neighborhood of Kansas City, MO, attended St. Elizabeth grade school, and played accordion in the children’s orchestra on a weekly KC radio program. He graduated from Rockhurst High School and later from Rockhurst College. He served in the Army Signal Corps in World War II in the Pacific Theater and participated in the Leyte Invasion with extended service in the Philippines, and then the initial occupation of Japan. He observed the great suffering of the Japanese, especially hungry children to whom he distributed fruit outside his mess hall, and convinced his mess Sgt. to carry this on. It was an example of his broad humanitarianism and the many quiet acts of kindness and personal sacrifice that made him a hero to his entire family. Shortly after the war, Carl met his future wife and great love of his life, Marion Kelley. They were married for nearly 64 years and raised 8 children, to whom they provided a perfect example of love and devotion. In partnership with his father, Carl Sr., he operated Cordes and Son Flowers in KCMO, in the 1950s and 1960s. He then continued on as a private contractor, later with the help of his oldest son and best friend, Carl III.

Carl loved good literature and music, and discussing current events. A man of many talents and interests, he enjoyed fine woodworking, landscaping, cooking, colorful storytelling, sports, and crossword puzzles. He was especially creative in solving the practical problems that others brought to him. His strong faith in God, enduring selfless generosity, strength of character, and his steadfast loyalty and commitment to his family enabled him to provide a lifetime of example for all. He will be greatly missed.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Marjorie Vaughn; and his daughter, Annette Von Lintel. He is survived by his wife, Marion Kelley Cordes; 2 sons: Carl Cordes III and Rev. John Cordes; 5 daughters: Marion Shea (John), Colleen Cordes (Robert Engelman), Linda Cordes (Robert Simms), Susan Farley (Dohn), and Polly Mandl (Richard); son-in-law, Alan Von Lintel; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please offer condolences at mcgilleyhogememorialchapel.com.