Timothy William Monsees

Timothy William Monsees was born in Independence, Missouri on May 19th, 1955 to William Eugene Monsees and Barbara Jo Simons. The oldest of 2 children, Tim had one beloved younger sister, Jodie Monsees McGibbon, who he spent his life watching over. After losing their parents early in life, Tim cared for and protected his baby sister with the loyalty that was true to who Tim was - a true rock to Jodie as kids and as adults. He grew up in Raytown and was a standout member of the debate and swim team at Raytown High School. No doubt early signs of his future interests in both the law and scuba. This Fall Tim will be inducted into the Raytown Hall of Fame by his beloved Bluejays. An honor in which Tim found great joy.

At the University of Missouri, Tim earned his undergraduate degree in law and was a proud member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. As a graduate, Tim was named a "Member of the Coif,” an honor reserved for those graduating in the top 10% of their class. Tim continued to spend many happy weekends in Columbia with his two sons and grandchildren, cheering on his beloved Tigers.

Tim started practicing law at the firm of Morris and Larson, where he began to develop and tune his exceptional trial skills. He would eventually switch firms to practice alongside one of his best friends, Jim Morrow, at Myerson, Monsees, and Morrow. Knowing he had an underlying desire to represent victims, Tim would eventually go on to start his own law firm with two more of his best friends - Rich Miller and Dan DeFeo. From there he continued to grow and build the firm to what it is today with his law partner and best of friends, David Mayer. This year Tim was proud to retire after celebrating the firm's 30th anniversary representing clients throughout the country. 

Tim's staunch advocacy for his clients allowed him to build a thriving law practice. He was loved by his clients, many of whom would eventually go on to become friends. His sense of responsibility for those who had been injured or harmed was a role he never took lightly. This internalized sense of responsibility led Tim to be involved in some of the most remarkable verdicts in courts throughout Kansas, Missouri, and nationwide. For his many professional accomplishments Tim was recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America. He was a member of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates, awarded a legal ICON by Missouri Lawyers, and honored as a Dean of the Trial Bar by the Kansas City Missouri Bar Association. Additionally, Tim had served as a Chairman of the KCMBA Bar Foundation. He was due to argue in front of the Missouri Supreme Court later this year after successfully arguing his case in front of the entire Missouri Western District earlier this year, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of.

Tim's impressive law career was overshadowed only by his still deeper passion and commitment to his family. He had three children (Ben, Sam, and Megan) with Laura Franklin Monsees. The three of them grew up with their dad as a coach to their sports teams and making Granny Annie’s chicken noodles. His beloved wife and partner, Wendy Monsees, with whom he traveled the world with and managed a zoo of animals on their farm, had two daughters who he loved and raised as his own (Lauren and Morgan). Each of his five children will remember skiing double black diamonds together, tailgating at Chiefs games, officiating their weddings, being sung to over the phone on their birthdays each year, seeing him become "Pop Pop" to their own children, and the pride he felt in the adults they grew up to be.

Tim also had a passion for scuba and was a certified dive master instructor. He loved to travel to the world's most exotic scuba locations. He shared this adventurous nature with his children, whom he helped become scuba certified as well. When not abroad, Tim enjoyed spending time at his Kansas and Colorado homes, drinking coffee and looking at the mountains or pasture.

Tim's personality was larger than life and he was unafraid to live life his way. He cared for and loved his family and friends dearly and was doubly loved in return. He was an incredible public speaker and always enjoyed a good story (especially if it was about himself), so please join us in remembering the great times we had with Tim and celebrating his life.

Tim’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life on Monday, October 6th from 2:00 - 5:00pm at Grand Street Cafe (4740 Grand Ave). There will be a receiving line from 2:00-3:00pm. Formal remarks will be shared around 3:00pm, followed by a continued reception to share stories and have a beer in honor of Tim's life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the many organizations Tim supported over the course of his life: MOCSA Kansas City, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Tim is survived by his wife - Wendy; his sister - Jodie (Jerry); his children - Ben Monsees (Kaytland), Sam Monsees, Megan Bade (Scott), Lauren Dees-Pedroza (Rob), Morgan Elliott (Kolten); as well as seven grandchildren - Alex Johnson and Jackson Monsees, Daisy and Sloane Bade, Remi and Juno Pedroza, and Finn Elliott.

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