Eddy Reyes

Eduardo Gabriel Reyes, 42, of Shawnee, passed away Sunday, February 13, 2022.  Visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 11311 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS on Saturday, February 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Funeral Mass to follow at noon. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date.

Eddy was born on May 23, 1979 in Kansas City, KS to Edward and Sylvia (Anaya) Reyes.  He attended Our Lady of Unity and St. Joseph Schools, and was a 1997 graduate of Bishop Miege High School.  He then attended Kansas State University.  He started working at Margarita’s Restaurant when he was 14 years old, and after college went on to help open several Rancho Grande restaurant locations throughout the area.  It was at the Parkville location of Rancho Grande where he met his future wife, Rebecca Runnebaum, in 2002.

Eddy subsequently entered the plumbing industry, getting his training and union card while at Lexington Plumbing and later working for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.  He eventually started his own business, Major League Plumbing.

Eddy loved his hometown including the Royals, the Chiefs, and the K-State Wildcats. He could often be found enjoying a game with his large group of friends and family.  Not only did Eddy enjoy coaching his own children in Little League Baseball and St. Joseph CYO Football he also took other teammates under his wing to share his love of the sport. As a coach and friend, he made a difference in the lives of all of boys he coached with his ability to inspire and motivate.

Eddy had a passion for all children, as a mentor and friend, he inspired them to reach their full potential, while providing support and friendship, whether it be giving advice from the sidelines or being their biggest cheerleader in the stands. Eddy also enjoyed fishing and was often seen at opening day at Wyandotte County Lake.

Eddy was the life of the party and always made his and Rebecca’s home a fun and welcoming place.  On any given game day, he would rise at the break of dawn to start barbequing for the festivities later that day.  If you were his friend there was always a good meal, a cold drink and laugh at the ready.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Eddy was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Michael Anaya and Erasmos Reyes; and his grandmother Serafina Mendoza Reyes.  He is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca; his sons, Xavier and Anthony; his parents; his grandmother, Natie Anaya; his sisters, Margie Talbot and Elena Cruse; his in-laws, Bob and Rosemary Runnebaum; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends; and his best canine friends, Smokey and EZ.