Edward Gene Cadwell

Edward Gene Cadwell, 79, of North Kansas City, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2015. A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 4, 2015, at Speaks Suburban Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the chapel. A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at Lindley Creek Cemetery, Goodson, MO. Gene was born March 10, 1936 in Independence, MO as one of six children to Merton Henry and Nellie (Harris) Cadwell. In high school he played saxophone in band as well as participated in ROTC. He graduated from William Chrisman in 1956 under the nick name “Red.” In 1961 he enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served in the Vietnam Era. He met and married the love of his life, Janice Lee (Voorhees) on March 4, 1978 an together they had on daughter. Gene was a jack of all trades who had a strong work ethic. He worked for numerous businesses including Clearfield Cheese for 15 years, Pioneer Bag 10 years, and most recently Harrah’s Casino. He was also known as Hoppy after creating "Hoppy the Clown". He loved entertaining and putting on shows for family and friends. For a period of time he had a traveling puppet show that he would take to birthday parties and parades. He loved writing and illustrating his own stories. In the early 1990's, he published "Flippy the Elf". His family remembers his as active, hard working, and always loved a good debate. He is survived by wife, Janice Cadwell of the home; daughter, Jennifer Cadwell (John Hufford) of Kansas City North, MO; daughter, Gina Weaver (John) of Raytown, MO; son, Steven Cadwell (Chris Weiss) of Kansas City, KS; daughter, Brenda Cadwell of Independence, MO; brothers, Jerry Joe Cadwell (Judy) of Ovideo, FL; Raymond Cadwell (Mary) of Independence, MO; and Kenneth Cadwell of Osceola, MO; sister, Karen Cadwell of Bloomington, IN; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by sister, Sandra Cadwell; twin brother, Gerald Dean; and his parents. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel 816-373-3600)