KCBAA Mourns the Loss of Founding Member Alan Cordel

KCBAA Founding Member Alan Lynn Cordel passed away on October 4, 2026 at the age of 70. He was born on July 11, 1956, in Beloit, Kansas. What Alan cherished most in life were his family, his friends, and his work.

For 42 years, Alan proudly served as a pilot for Kansas City Life Insurance. It was a job he cherished, one that brought him joy each day. He had a treasure trove of stories about the people he met and the places he went. But despite these adventures, what defined Alan most was his deep appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. This was evident in how he spent his time.

He loved watching old black and white Western movies, but nothing made him happier than peaceful cruises around the lake with his family or cheering on his grandkids at one of their many activities.

Alan was known for his booming voice and infectious laugh, qualities that endeared him to those around him. He was impossible to overlook because of his height and his shock of white hair; he was hard to miss. His presence and the occasional “come on ref!” will be sorely missed in the stands at his grand kids’ games.

Alan had a natural affinity for problem-solving, which extended into his love of maintaining a pristine lawn and taking meticulous care of his vehicles. He was always ready to lend a hand to friends with their projects, which he often did after completing his own. You might even find him vacuuming the lawn if he found that everything else was complete.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Alan found his greatest joy in spending time with his loving wife LoLeeta of 44 years and his daughter Angela, her husband Mike, and their kids. They all took many wonderful vacations together including to Hawaii, San Diego, Alaska, and Colorado, but Alan’s favorite “vacations” from his home in Linn Valley were to watch his grandchildren, Alan John (AJ), Connor, and Caroline, participate in their sporting activities.

Alan is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Leo and Marylene Cordel. He is survived by his devoted wife, LoLeeta; his cherished daughter, Angela (Michael) Wondra; his treasured grandchildren, AJ, Connor, and Caroline; his brother Brian (Mary) Cordel; his sister Brenda (Joe) Cikanek; his sister Janet (Sean) Racette; along with numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Alan's life at Amos Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66203, on Monday, October 12. A rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, KS on Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00 am.

Alan's legacy of hard work, laughter, and love lives on in those whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alan’s name to Angel Flight Central or to the charity of your choosing.

KCBAA 2026 Scholarship Winners Announced

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