Jesus "Jesse" Joseph Perez Sr.

Jesus “Jesse” Joseph Perez Sr., 84 of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026.

Born on October 23, 1941, Jesse was the beloved son of Maria (Anaya) and Alberto Perez, the youngest of eleven children. The family was tightly woven into the growing Hispanic culture of the Kansas City area, including being part of the family’s Mariachi band, sharing his love of music and family from an early age.

In 1939, his parents founded Perez Food Products, producing tortillas and taco shells. Jesse worked alongside his parents and siblings, taking over running the business at the young age of 18. Along with his devoted wife, three children and numerous extended family members he built Perez Foods Products into a thriving enterprise while maintaining the values of quality and hard work his parents instilled in him. The family retired the business in 2024, thus an enduring legacy of 85 years.

A devout Catholic, Jesse loved God and was deeply committed to his faith and the Church. Up until his final days, he continued to recite the Our Father and Hail Mary, a testament to his enduring faith and devotion.

Jesse will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, wisdom, and the quiet way he made a lasting impact on those around him. He found great joy in coaching his children’s sports, sharing his love of the game while teaching life lessons that extended far beyond the court. He also enjoyed golfing and traveling, especially taking his family on their memorable trips to the Bahamas—times that brought him great joy and created lasting memories for those he loved.

Jesse was preceded in death by his sisters, Rita Trible and Antonia Willfong, and his brothers Ralph, Humberto, Peter, Ascension, Albert and Andrew.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Esther (Fernandez) Perez; his children, Jesse Joseph Perez Jr. (Mary Margaret), Daniel Gene Perez (Mary Celeste), and Christine Ann (Perez) Kuhlmann (Brad); his sisters, Teresa Canseco and Rachel Olivarez; as well as six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his memory forward with love and pride.

His presence brought comfort and strength to many, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

To honor the life and legacy of Jesse Joseph Perez Sr., and his spirit of generosity and compassion, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Kansas City

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