November 30, 1953 – February 12, 2023
Edward P. Wollmuth of Overland Park, Kansas passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023, at the University of Kansas Hospital surrounded by his family and close friends. Visiting will take place on Saturday, February 18, 9:00-10:00 a.m., at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia Street, Lenexa, Kansas, with funeral service following at 10:00 a.m. and interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 126th and Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kansas.
Ed was born November 30, 1953, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Joseph E. and Ruby (Widener) Wollmuth, who predeceased him in death.
He was a graduate of Bishop Ward High School and Donnelly College, Kansas City, Kansas. Ed began a successful career in banking in the late 1970s with his first job as a bank teller at Kaw Valley Bank in Kansas City, Kansas. Over the years Ed has lent his business and commercial finance skills to his clients at various banks in the Kansas City area. Most recently Ed was Executive Vice President at Community First Bank, Shawnee, Kansas.
Ed met the love of his life, Kathy Barrett, at Kaw Valley Bank nearly forty years ago, and they’ve been together ever since. They both always said it was love at first sight and each said of the other, “You were the best thing that ever happened to me” and it stuck. Ed and Kathy were married on October 20, 1990 and have lived a wonderfully blessed life full of adventure, travel and with the belief that “,,, the best was yet to come”.
Ed has never met a stranger; knowing Ed meant loving Ed. From hosting parties at his house instead of him on the lake to a fun lunch or dinner out, concerts, trips to Vegas and around the world. He was generous, funny, and shared all that was about him with those he loved.
Ed leaves behind his best friend and wife of thirty-two years, Kathy, of the house. He is preceded in death by his parents and Kathy’s parents, Harold and Sallie Barrett, whom he loved and cared for as much as he did (and the feeling was mutual). He is also survived by his brother, Joe and siblings, Beth and Mike Woods, Hal and Jeannie Barrett, Teri Barrett Protzmann, Ron Barrett and Jeff and Christi Barrett.
Although Kathy and Ed chose not to have children of their own, he was truly a beloved father figure and Funcle who will forever be missed by his grandchildren and to whom he generously gave his heart, his kindness, advice when asked, and his time . She included granddaughters Jennifer Barrett, Sara Woods and Jessica Protzmann. And grandchildren Greg Barrett, Nick Protzmann, Erik (Christine) Woods, Adam Woods and Zack Protzmann. She loved to spoil her granddaughters Aaliyah, Alexis, Kennedy, Riley and Bentley.
Ed had several significant friendships that had deepened over time and especially during the later years of his illness. He leaves those friends behind. Thank you for being there for Ed…he loved each of you dearly.
The family would like to thank each of you for your prayers, concern, and kindness during Ed’s illness. He was a warrior and fought until he could no longer. We are sure that he was welcomed into Heaven by his parents and by Kathy’s parents, and by all those who preceded him; with a cold beer. He’ll be healthy enough again to drive his Corvettes … fast, go fishing when he wants, and drag some kids behind his boat. And enjoy the music he loved, from Johnny Cash to Flo Rida’s “Low” and sidekick T-Rick to DJ Mikey Mike.
Our sincere thanks to all the doctors, nurses and medical professionals of the University of Kansas and Fresenius Kidney Care and all who cared for Ed during his illnesses.
Donations can be made in Ed’s memory to Kansas University Cancer Research or The Fresenius Kidney Care through the National Kidney Foundation
A celebration of Ed’s life will be held in the near future.
