Kenneth H. A. Wellesley

Kenneth H. A. Wellesley, 86, of Kansas City, Missouri Northland, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at his home. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at Avondale United Methodist Church, 3101 NE Winn Rd. Kansas City, MO 64117. A visitation will be from 9:00 – 10:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the New Hope Cemetery in Liberty, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials and contributions are suggested to Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Kenneth was born on November 8, 1937, in Toronto, Canada to Herbert R. and Beatrice T. (Kirkpatrick) Wellesley. They moved to California when he was 15 years old. He attended school in California before joining the United States Navy in 1956. He traveled all over the world during his time he served in the Navy until he was discharged in 1960. He met Oma Faye Collins in California and the two were united in marriage on November 12, 1959. They moved to Missouri where they raised three children: Mark, Kenny, and Sunny. He worked as a mechanic for American Airlines for over 30 years. He was a member of the IAM Union, Ararat Shrine, and the Avondale United Methodist Church. Faye preceded him in death on February 14, 2007. Later on, he met Diane Yager who became his close friend and partner.

Kenneth loved traveling, woodworking, gardening, playing the violin, and humming on the harmonica. But for the most part, he was known as the most loving and caring, generous, and thoughtful caretaker. He was always there to check on someone in need, make sure they were doing ok, take them wherever they needed to go, and made sure they weren’t alone. He took over all the household duties when Faye got sick and he took care of her till the end without complaint. Even on days where he had been at work all day, and was tired and worn out, he still made sure to be present with all of his children as they grew up and spent time with them.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Beatrice Wellesley; and wife, Oma Faye Wellesley. He is survived by his wife, Diane Yager; children, Mark Wellesley, Kenny Wellesley, Sunny Wellesley, Elise Yager, Tony Yager, and Kristy Yager; grandchildren, Angel, Cooper, Drew, Tyson, Rylee, Sahara, Quinton, Asher, Gus, and Kenzie; and his sister, Barbara Campbell.