Allan Henry Tunis

Al is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sandy; six children, Rob Gardner of Kansas City, MO; Scott Gardner (Sarah) of Nashville, TN; Brad Tunis (Sarah) of Carlsbad, California; Lisa Fosnough (Jeff) of Parkville, MO; Jill Kells (Allan) of Parkville, MO; and Lisa Fry (Ryan) of Lee’s Summit, MO; and eleven grandchildren; Ella Fosnough, Tatum Kells, Palmer Fosnough, Carson Gardner, Grace Gardner, Ava Kells, Catherine Gardner, Merritt Fosnough, Sloane Kells, Garrett Fry, and Scarlett Gardner; his sister Susan Paul (Rick) of Warren, MI; sister Linda McFarland (Rick) of Warren, MI; brother Craig Tunis of Shelby Township, MI. He was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Doris Tunis.

Al was born November 16, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan to Harold and Doris Tunis. He grew up in Harper Woods Michigan and graduated from Harper Woods High School in 1969. Growing up, Al’s siblings remember him for being inclusive and kind to all, the homecoming king, running back on the football team, and clearly the favorite child. They also have not-so-fond memories of Al’s propensity to go to the bathroom when it was time to do the dishes.

Al attended Wayne State University, where he played football and graduated with a degree in Education. After graduating, Al taught at Rochester Adam’s High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

In 1978, Al and his family moved to Kansas City, MO, where he became the principal at Chinn Elementary in the Park Hill School District. He later received his masters from UMKC and became the Assistant Superintendent for the Park Hill School District. After 21 years in Park Hill, Al became the Vice Chancellor for the Metropolitan Community Colleges. After leaving MCC, Al retired but was soon recruited to be the Assistant Superintendent for the Kansas City Missouri School District. He later became Interim Superintendent. In all of his roles, Al made a big impression and had a lasting impact, resulting in him being widely respected across the community.

Al married Sandy Gardner, on April 8, 1989. They combined their families to make their own Brady Bunch of three boys and three girls. They moved to Riss Lake and built one of the first houses in that community. Their children have fond childhood memories of trips to the Lake of the Ozarks, rides in Al’s car of the month, $2 spending limits at McDonalds, complying with ‘the ledger’, “mall rules”, Griswald-worthy Christmas lighting ceremonies and countless other family traditions that always included Al’s enthusiastic participation.

Al’s biggest legacy is his love for his family. He cherished his wife Sandy and their six children. No matter how demanding work was, Al made it to every family event or grandchild’s activity. Always. He made each of his grandchildren feel special by always being present, cheering loudly, and giving a big hug at the end while saying, “Did you have fun? That’s what matters.”

In addition to his unwavering support, the grandkids will remember Grandpa for his toast with sprinkles, always having a pocket full of candy, never saying no, sleepovers with movies and teaching them how to drive. They will also always treasure his beautifully handcrafted gifts, including toy boxes, doll houses, puppet theaters, dog houses, stools, and Barbie trailers.

The family could not have a better role model. Al was simply an extraordinary human. He was the best husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to the Strong Like Lisa Foundation, at www.stronglikelisa.com.