Kadhim M. Shuker, 79, of Kansas City, KS, passed away Monday, January 28, 2019, at home.  On Monday, February 4, 2019, visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Words of Remembrance at 11:00 a.m., and funeral Mass following at Christ The King Catholic Church, 3024 North 53rd St., Kansas City, KS.  Entombment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Little Sisters Servants of Mary or Christ The King Catholic Church.

Kadhim was born in Karbala, Iraq, on February 8,1939 to Afta Shabib Aukab and Mohammed Shuker Hilu.  He grew up with 4 brothers and 1 sister with whom he spent much time in the family orchards harvesting lemons, pomegranates, dates and figs.  After high school he was sent to Russia to study Petroleum Engineering for 3 years and then on to the United States to finish at the University of Kansas.  Also attending KU was his future wife, so he decided to stay, changed his major and received a B.S. in Chemistry.  He worked for several labs in the Kansas City area, including the KU Medical Center.  He then worked for BPU for nearly 30 years starting as a Chemist and ending as the Supt. of Water Treatment.  With his background in chemistry and the Russian language, he was contacted by President Eisenhower's "People to People" International Program to go to Russia to help with the Chernobyl nuclear accident.  He had to decline because of a health issue and raising 3 small boys, but felt very honored by the invitation.  Since Kadhim grew up playing soccer, especially in high school, all his boys played soccer from kindergarten through high school.  No matter what sport the boys played, he went to all their games, even their practices. However, being an avid sports fan was minor compared to his love for his boys and his grandchildren.  He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over 53 years.  He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann (Martell); his three sons:  Eric (Alicia) Shuker, Brian (Sheila) Shuker, Kevin (Holly) Shuker; and 7 grandchildren:  Alexis, Logan, Dylan, Adriana, Brian II, Jackson, and Mason.