After graduating from high school at De La Salle in Kansas City, MO Paul entered the United States Navy – 1956-1960 where he proudly served his country. Paul left the Navy and enrolled at Donnelly College where he met the love of his life, Mary Kay Abboud. He finished out his college education at Rockhurst College and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree. They married in 1963 and were blessed with ten children, who Paul was very proud of. Paul worked at Bendix, known later as Honeywell, for 37 years, retiring in 2006. Paul had an exceptional work ethic and was offered promotions over the years, but always declined because he didn’t want to have to give up any family time. When his children were young, he could always be found attending one of their events or being by their side whenever they needed him. When his grandchildren came, he did the same. Wednesdays were extra fun when he picked up grandkids from school and made sure they had treats before taking them home. He will be remembered by his family as a great husband, father and grandfather.
Paul will be remembered by his friends as kind, funny and a true Irishman in every way. He gladly accepted any invitation to play golf with his family and friends and even hit two holes-in-one, something he was very proud of.
Paul had a deep connection with God and devotion to his Catholic faith. He was an active member of Christ The King Parish for 50+ years. He attended daily Mass for many years, always with his wife by his side. Family was the single most important thing in life to Paul and anyone who ever met him knew that. The Lenihan family bond that Paul instilled will be his most remembered legacy. Paul wore the brightest smile whenever he was around his family.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Kay Lenihan of 59 years, as well as eight children: Erin Lenihan, Sean Lenihan, Daniel Lenihan (Jessie Lenihan), Ann Applegate (Bryan Applegate), Peter Lenihan (Nicole Lenihan), Juliana Cochran (Mike Cochran), Thomas Lenihan (Jessica Lenihan) and Kevin Lenihan (Cathy-Anne Lenihan). He also leaves his seventeen grandchildren: Gabrielle Wilson, Austen Wilson, Keegan Wilson, Mason Lenihan, Michael Cochran, Madilynn Cochran, Isabella Cochran, Victoria Cochran, Rose Lenihan, Grace Lenihan, Danielle Josephine Lenihan, Sullivan Lenihan, Chace Lenihan, Tessa Lenihan, Mae Lenihan, Annabelle Lenihan and Alexander Lenihan.
Paul was preceded in death by two children, Mary Lenihan and Michael Lenihan, his parents, Maurice (Buster) and Mary Lenihan, his sister Shirley Renne, and nephews, Robert Nugent and Patrick Renne.
Services will be held Friday, June 3rd, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, MO. A visitation will be held from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Paul’s life will commence at 10:30 a.m. Cemetery burial following Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64138.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care for the wonderful care and comfort they gave to Paul and his family during his time there. https://www.kchospice.org/
May the road rise to meet you, dear Paul.
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