Edward J. McShane, Jr.

Edward J. (Ed) McShane, Jr., 92, went to his just reward on July 24, 2025. Ed was born October 4, 1932 in Kansas City, Kansas to Margaret B. (McNally) McShane and Edward J. McShane, Sr. He was happy to say he was a “Dotte Original” and “100% Irish.” Ed’s faith and his family were most important to him, which was evident in how he lived his life. He was a lifetime Catholic and a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Kansas City, Missouri since 1963.

Ed attended St. Peter’s Grade School (class of 1946) and Bishop Ward High School (class of 1950), both in Kansas City, Kansas. Following high school, he attended St. Benedict’s College (now Benedictine), graduating in 1954. Ed served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bliss, Texas (1954-1956) and then attended law school at the University of Kansas City (now University of Missouri Kansas City) where he received a LLB Degree (now a JD) in 1959. Following law school, Ed practiced law and worked for Farmers Insurance Company. He began work in the Trust Department of City National Bank and Trust Co, which is now known as UMB Bank, in 1967, rising to Divisional Executive Vice President as head of the Trust Department. He retired from UMB Bank in 2005. Following his retirement, Ed spent time volunteering, including as a Eucharistic minister at Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City. He was a member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, the Estate Planning Society of Kansas City, the Kansas City Club and the Rotary Club.

As was true of many Catholics in Kansas City at the time, Ed was a member of the Rockhurst Discussion Club. While most described this Club as “an excuse to drink beer on Sunday” it was there that he met his wife, Ann Lancaster. Ed’s approach (and the advice he has given) was to ask out the prettiest girl and, in his case, she said yes! That first step led to 62+ years of marriage.

Family was especially important to Ed. He loved spending time with Ann and with his children. Even simple things like taking the kids to run errands to the Dime Store, the library and the liquor store (in that order) were opportunities to drive to Brookside and shoot the breeze. He also taught each of his children how to drive (“Drivers Ed”), but that is a story for another day.

Friendships were also important to Ed. He enjoyed each group and their traditions. Whether it was the Rockhurst Discussion Club group, where even the smallest get together “counted;” birthday dinners with friends they met through St. Peter’s in Kansas City, Missouri; block parties, dinners and New Year’s Eve celebrations with neighbors; or lunch with associates from high school, Ed never missed an opportunity to spend time with friends.

Ed was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He has lists of every book he read dating back several years. He was a fan of Notre Dame football and loyal supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He loved college basketball and cheered for the local Kansas and Missouri teams. He regularly attended the NAIA basketball tournament.

Ed was a storyteller. He loved to recount humorous stories of his life’s adventures, and he appreciated (and adopted) funny stories told by others. We are not quite sure who owns some of the stories he told as his own, and, as he said, no one is around to correct him. He had a quick wit and never missed a chance to deliver a clever, well-timed humorous jab. He could receive as well as he could give on that front.

For decades, Ed walked a 4-mile route on the Plaza nearly every day. He was often spotted by neighbors and friends during these walks. He believed exercise was the fountain of youth.

There are too many common Ed quotes to list here, but know the following:

• If you asked him if he wanted a drink he would respond with “I didn’t come here for a haircut.”
• On a very cold day he would tell you that “flesh freezes in this weather.”
• No matter their age, he was happy to remind his kids that “today is a holy day of obligation” followed by a discussion of Mass times.
• Even if he was the one who asked to see a dessert tray, he was going to order a dish of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate chip cookie.
• Every meal Ann cooked, and every meal he ate out, was “not too bad.”
• He loved to send his children and grandchildren “walking around money” so they could “buy a treat.”
  
  

Ed was happy to tell anyone who would listen that he wanted to stay in his home until he moved on to his reward. He was able to accomplish that goal. We were so lucky to have him as our husband, father, and grandfather.

Ed is survived by his loving wife, Ann; his children Kathleen (Katie) McShane Gadwood, Margaret (Peggy) Rowe (Tom), Karen McShane, Patrick McShane (Debbie); his grandchildren Conner Gadwood (Maddie), Brian Gadwood, Alex Rowe, Nick Rowe, Kelly Rowe, Leo McShane, Annie McShane, and Jack McShane; his brother in law Ken Lancaster, his sisters in law Mary O’Dower and Roberta Lancaster; nephew Troy Lancaster (Kristin) and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter Mary Catherine McShane, his brother in law Charlie O’Dower, and most of his contemporaries.

All services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 701 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO on Saturday, August 9, 2025. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by a Rosary at 10:40 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64131 or Bishop Ward High School, 708 N 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102.

One final quote from Ed that he told us regularly: Today is another day in which to excel.