Lowell Fundom Obituary

Published by Legacy on May 12, 2026.

Lowell Edwin Fundom, Jr., 81, of Platte City, Missouri, passed away on May 10, 2026 - the same date, 57 years earlier, that he married the love of his life. He was, in every sense of the word, a patriot and a protector.

Born in Washington, D.C., Lowell grew up in the D.C.-Maryland area before his family moved to Kansas City, where he would spend most of his life. He graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1962 and, with characteristic resolve, walked straight from the graduation stage into the United States Air Force. Trained at Vandenberg Air Force Base as a military policeman and sentry dog handler, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he served with courage alongside his faithful canine partner, Bo Jack. He was honorably discharged in April of 1968 at the rank of E-5 Staff Sergeant - a service he carried with quiet pride for the rest of his days.

He joined the Kansas City Police Department in 1968 and spent 25 years protecting his city - serving as a patrol man, a Canine handler, a detective, and rising to the rank of Sergeant. He served under Chief Clarence Kelly and, after retirement contributed his expertise as a background investigator for the Federal Office of Personnel Management. But Lowell wasn't finished learning. After retiring from the KCPD, he headed back to school - earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Missouri Western State College and a master's degree in criminal justice from Central Missouri State University. He went on to teach as an adjunct professor, a role he loved. He believed deeply in hard work, and he lived it.

Those who knew Lowell would describe him in a few words: a character. A piece of work. Funny. Charming. Generous. He had a gift for humor and used it freely - defusing tense situations, drawing people in, and making every room a little warmer. He loved John Wayne films (True Grit, especially), Elvis, the Big Band era, hunting, and fishing. He talked about buying a Harley well into his 70s. Patricia said no. He brought it up anyway.

Above all else, Lowell loved his family. He was devoted to his wife, Patricia, who he famously once pushed around the town square in a wheelbarrow. He was the epitome of a girl dad. His daughter Shelley has described him as her protector, her safety net, and her greatest champion - someone who showed up for every game, every pickup from school, and every moment that mattered, even after working a night shift. He coached her junior high softball team for several seasons, piling his players into the bed of his pickup truck after games and driving through the McDonald's drive-through to celebrate with French fries. They won a lot of games. He made sure of it.

Lowell is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Patricia (Murphy) Fundom; his daughter, Michelle Hallier; his grandchildren, Hannah Breeding of Chicago, IL, and Ryne and Cassie Hallier of Kansas City, MO; his sister, Jaralee Flowers of Georgia; and several nieces and nephews who were lucky enough to call him family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell E. Fundom, Sr. and Edna Fundom; his sisters, Rozanne Nydam and Alexandria "Doll" Lambert; and the brothers and sisters he found in the ranks of the military and law enforcement - those who answered the call alongside him.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, Kansas, where his service to this country will be recognized as it deserves.

Lowell Fundom loved his country, protected his community, cherished his family, and made people laugh. He would not want you to be sad. He would want you to grab some French fries, turn on some Elvis, and raise a glass to a life very well lived. Arrangements by: Rollins Funeral Home, Platte City, MO. Phone 816-858-2129.