Joseph McLiney

June 5, 1946-Nov. 4, 2025

Joseph Aloysius McLiney passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Nov. 4, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born June 5, 1946, to loving parents Ellen (Dowling) and George McLiney. Joe grew up on Pembroke Lane in Mission Hills, Kansas, with his two sisters and brother. Joe attended St. Agnes Catholic School. He loved sharing fond memories of his many explorations and adventures throughout Mission Hills and Kansas City, Missouri, in the 1950s. Joe and his lifelong friend Mike Malley created memories on their many escapades across the city. Joe continued taking adventures with his wife, children, grandchildren and often Mike Malley. His grandchildren were always anticipating their next Grandy Adventure! He often said life is a great novel, with an ending you cannot predict. Throughout his life, he enjoyed trips to St. Louis to be with his family. He was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and attended many games, including several World Series.

Joe attended Maur Hill Catholic Benedictine High School in Atchison, Kansas. At Maur Hill, he made many friends and excelled in academics and sports. He was a three-sport athlete, recruited across the country. Wanting to stay close to home and close to his future wife, Joe decided to attend Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. He majored in history and played basketball and baseball. Joe was a true competitor in the sports arena, becoming team captain on the baseball and basketball teams. He was an honorable mention All-American shortstop.

Joe met the love of his life, Jane Sutherland, at age 15. They married in 1968 and together built their family and shared immeasurable love.

Joe delighted in his home, the outdoors and cherished his faith. Janie and Joe lived in Kansas City and then moved to Parsons, Kansas, where Joe worked at a small community bank. In Parsons, he became the youngest bank president in the United States. He accomplished a lifelong passion of building, acquiring and growing one of the largest banking groups in the state of Kansas. He held wonderful memories with the thousands of customers and people he worked with. He had a passion and always rooted for those pursuing their dreams. He was a proud Kansas banker, serving on many boards for 57 years.

Joe and Jane were blessed with five beautiful children. Joe rarely missed his children’s events and prioritized coaching their teams. He spent many hours after work in his yard with his kids, grandchildren and their friends playing catch, tennis, basketball and other sports. He respected the life lessons of playing and succeeding in competitive sports. Joe also loved to ride horses and delighted in taking his children on trail rides.

Joe and Janie honeymooned in Ireland. In 1980, they took their family back to Ireland for the first time, and the tradition was born. Their trips to Ireland carried on for the next 45 years. Joe adored meeting new friends in Ireland who became like family. Words cannot express the deep importance of those times and people in his life.

A dedicated family man, Joe always took time to learn all about his grandchildren’s lives. He had a unique relationship with each one of them. He rarely missed a game and never a Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation, graduation or wedding. Whether with family or business, Joe’s faith came first, leading by example while letting everyone know, “I love you more.”

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and George McLiney, and his brother, George Jr. Joe is survived by his two sisters, Anne Cox and Mary McLiney; his loving wife, Janie; their five children: Joel, Buffy King (Brian), Meredith Mason (Michael), Robin and Casey (Carrie); 22 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.