Brian Francis Middleton

Brian Francis Middleton of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025. He was 65 years old. Brian was born on January 7, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri, the second child of Helen and Bob Middleton. He had five siblings: Robin, Scott, Kirk, Heather, and Robin Renee.

After graduating from Blue Springs High School in 1978, he joined the United States Navy. In the Navy, Brian began his career as a torpedo operator on submarines, then became a recruiter and was awarded Recruiter of the Year four times. After a 20-year career, Brian retired as Senior Chief in the United States Navy. Brian then started his second career in sales quickly rising the ranks to become a Senior Vice President of Labor Ready Inc.

In 1981, he married his middle school sweetheart, Janet Dunn. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed two children, Brianna and Zack into the world. As a family of four, their journey took them from Tennessee to Illinois, to Missouri, and to Idaho. Along the way, each move brought wonderful friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a deep sense of home wherever they landed. These moves bonded the four of them into a close-knit family, guided by Brian's example. He lived his life rooted in Christian faith as a devoted husband and father, and later in life he joyfully completed his journey into the Catholic church, where he was confirmed and embraced his faith fully.

Brian prioritized his family above all things. He was known for his loyalty, kindness, sense of humor, and generosity. He added something to everyone's life whether it was a pivotal moment, colorful sayings, supportive guidance, or an overall genuine friendship. Brian had the unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and loved without any judgement or reservations. Brian had a love for music, and he was known to share his playlist with both friends and family. Brian was never afraid to share his emotions. He was often known to tear up at weddings, graduations, dance competitions, and even his own retirement. Brian loved to drive whether it was around town for endless errands, road trips, or grandkid pick ups. He had a love for golden retrievers, Hawaiian shirts, and a wide variety of television shows to include reality TV, cooking shows, sitcoms, and "Cops." Brian was an avid lover of sports. This started from when he was a kid and excelled at sports through high school. It then moved on to watching his children and grandchildren play sports in school. Later in life, Brian developed a love for golf which he played weekly with friends, and he was always easy to spot on the course with his neon-colored shirts and shorts. But above all, his greatest love was his wife, Janet.

Brian was known by many names: son, brother, uncle, husband, father, papa, friend, and "the Admiral."

Brian is survived by his wife Janet Middleton, and his children; Brianna (Michael) Bruening and Zack (Amanda) Middleton; six grandchildren: Bridget, Reese, Henry Bruening and Maverick, Frances, Wren Middleton; his siblings: Robin (Tony) Irwin, Scott Middleton, Kirk (Crissie) Hasenzahl, Heather (Scott) Hopkins, and Robin Renee (Steve) Sills; his in-laws: Barbara Dunn, Connie (Raymond) Greco, Brian (Kim) Dunn, and Jarrett (Melissa) Dunn; his stepmother, Cathy Middleton and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who he loved immensely.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Helen Hasenzahl and Bob Middleton; his father-in-law Jack Dunn; and his nephew Alex Cipolla.

A funeral mass in memory of Brian Middleton will be held on Friday, December 19th, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, MO. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. with a rosary being said prior to the mass. Upon conclusion of the mass, Brian will be laid to rest with full military honors at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery in Raytown, MO.

Flowers are welcome, and memorial contributions in Brian's memory can be made to: Kansas City Fisher House (Home away from Home for Veterans and their families). https://www.kcfisherhouse.org/

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)