Mr. Wendell E. Maddox Jr.

Wendell E. Maddox, Jr. was born June 16, 1947, to the union of Wendell E. Maddox, Sr. and Faye Maddox in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the youngest of ten children. He passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Wendell attended Elementary, Jr. High School, and Senior High School in Wyandotte County. He graduated from Sumner High School in 1965. He entered the service February 10, 1966. He served in both the Navy and Marine Corp and completed a tour in Vietnam aboard the USS Cimarron. Wendell earned an undergraduate degree in Social Psychology from Mira Costa College in Oceanside, California. He completed other professional studies in Business and Education at Johns Hopkins University in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Wendell’s professional life was extensive. He served as Executive Director of Turner House; he served as Regional Director for the Humane Society; he served as Director of Agency Relations with United Way of Wyandotte County. Eighteen months later, he was appointed Vice-President of United Way. In March 2004, Wendell became United Way’s first African American President and CEO. He was one of just 10 persons from around the country honored nationally for his support and work on behalf of after-school programs at the “Breakfast of Champions” event in Washington, D. C., The Kansas After-school Network nominated him for the award. He was instrumental in creating the Youth Build KCK program, which helps people complete their education and prepare to enter the workforce. Wendell was elected to serve on the Kansas City, Kansas Community College board of Trustees. He also served on several community boards including the KCK Chamber of Commerce, Donnelly College, Workforce Investment Board, and the Wyandotte County Community Health Council. Wendell married Betty J. Lasley on December 30, 1995, in Kansas City, Kansas. During their wonderful 30 years of marriage, they loved traveling, entertaining family and friends, dancing with each other and spending time sharing their “growing up” experiences and stories with each other. Wendell loved his children and grandchildren. He was very proud of their accomplishments. He loved music, especially jazz. He was a professional drummer for many years. He loved electronics, sports, grilling, watching television, and reading. Wendell accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Episcopal Denomination. He saw the value and need for him and his wife, Betty, to worship in the same place. On July 24, 2022, he joined the Eighth Street Baptist Church where his wife was a member for over 60 years. He immediately became active serving as co-business administrator, trustee member, men’s ministry member, drama ministry member. He loved attending Sunday School, and he was excited about being a Deacon-in-training. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Betty Lasley-Maddox; three sons, Damon Hayes (Angela); Tre Maddox; Brandon Washington; three daughters, Monica Armstrong; Natalie Greer (Brian); Nicole Dempah (Dominique); three sisters, Carolyn Taylor; Betty Evans (James); and Sandy Thornton (Melvin); 17 grandchildren, 5 brothers-in-law; 5 sisters-in-law; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Eighth Street Baptist Church 1420 North 8th Street KCKS 66101. Interment: Leavenworth National Cemetery. Visitation: 9 – 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com.

Mr. Wendell E. Maddox Jr.

June 16, 1947 - January 1, 2026