Kevin Duane Samuels Sr.

Kevin Duane Samuels Sr., age 61, entered the Stream of Life on Monday, April 26, 1965, at 8:28 P.M. at Douglass Hospital, Kansas City, Kansas. Sheffer Eugenia Wynn was chosen as his earthly mother. This beautiful baby boy weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long. He was completely bald, had bright shining eyes and a glowing complexion! He was so easy to love!

He had a vibrant personality as a toddler and at the age of 4 years old he attended Peppermint Nursey School. He was a goodly son, and we called him, the “Mad Hatter” because he liked hats. When he was 9 years old, he walked down the aisle at Shiloh Baptist Church and accepted Jesus, the Christ, and gave his life to God.

Kevin attended schools in USD #500 and graduated from Harmon High School in 1983. He earned a perfect attendance award for grades three, four, and five. He finished one semester at Kansas City Kansas Community Jr. College and joined the United States Army Reserves. In 1985 he enlisted in the United States Navy, fought in the Gulf War serving on the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. He received meritorious awards for his service and was honorably discharged in 1991.

Kevin held various jobs and was employed at General Mills. His marriage to Kyle Young Samuels, produced Kevin Samuels, Jr., fondly called, “Little Kevin”. In 1996 Gabrielle "Gabby" Ashley was born to his union with Kim McDonald Samuels.

In 2001 he was involved in a car accident and suffered a closed brain injury. He continued to work until this illness progressed and was diagnosed with a terminal illness, neuro sarcoidosis. He spent several years in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and was recommended to hospice care. After a glorious encounter with Jesus in 2007, he asked the Lord if He would let him live to see his children grow up. God granted his request and he was given another chance to live. God added 19 years to his life. He lived for a total of 25 years after his accident.

As his health improved, he was able to work part time, drive and live on his own. A pivotal turning point on his journey was when he joined the House of Prayer Evangelistic Church. The genuine love and care of the saints accelerated his recovery. He was a faithful and active member of HOPE Church and was training for ministry at the time of his passing.

Kevin loved the Lord and was a soldier of the Cross. He was totally dedicated to living a godly life. He loved the Word of God. He was hilarious and had an infectious laugh! Although he had many health challenges, he was consistently joyful. Never complaining and always inspiring others to receive and believe God. The joy of the Lord was his strength!

Kevin was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! He encouraged all he encountered and would say, “I love the Lord, don’t you?” The man could talk! He was an avid sports fan, loved them Chiefs and fishing! He was a true worshipper and had some awesome dance moves for Jesus.

Kevin loved his entire family unconditionally and the desire of his heart was that all come to know God. He had a special love for "Pops", Jesse. Having fulfilled his number of days in Time, his earthly assignment completed - God called his name. He was ready, packed up, tied up and wrapped up in Jesus. Kevin stepped into Eternity on June 3, 2026. He was instantly translated into the Presence of God where The Holy Angels, 4 living creatures, the 24 elders and the thousands of thousands of them that have gone on before him are gathered around the throne. He is singing, rejoicing, shouting, dancing, jumping, leaping, twirling and whirling. We can only imagine!

His memory is forever etched and engraved in our hearts.

Sheffer Wynn-Taylor and Jesse Taylor, parents; children, Kevin Samuels, Jr., (Jamie) and Gabrielle Samuels McDonald (Stephen); his is five grandchildren; his blended family: Chanelle Taylor, sister; brothers, Andre Taylor (Candace) and Mark Taylor (Valorie); aunts: Deborah Harris, Evalynn Parker and Constance Madden; uncles, Terence Wynn and Gregory Wynn; special cousins: Andrea Rodgers (Tony), Venita Jenkins (Tony), Vonda Douglas, Veronica Brown (Terry); and a great host of other relatives and friends. 

Oh, how we loved him – but God loves him best!