In Loving Memory of Cipriano "Cip" Don Candillo

It is with the utmost heartache that we announce the unexpected passing of Cipriano "Cip" Don Candillo, born on April 30, 1977, who left us far too soon at the age of 49 on June 7, 2026.

Cip was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to Debra Kay Candillo and William (Bill) Candillo. He spent his childhood in Independence, Missouri, and graduated from Harrisonville High School with the Class of 1995. Following graduation, he attended Central Missouri State University (now the University of Central Missouri) in Warrensburg, Missouri.

During his younger years, Cip became a well-known bartender, working at several establishments along Pine Street in Warrensburg. He later moved to Kansas City to pursue an opportunity at the newly opened Power & Light District. It was there, while working at Tengo Sed Cantina, that he met the love of his life, Christina Marie Stollenwerk.

Cip and Christina were inseparable from the very beginning. They married on October 26, 2012, and spent nearly every day together for over 18 years. Their love story was one of unwavering devotion, partnership, and friendship.

Above all else, Cip was a devoted husband and father. He was the rock of his family—the pillar, the foundation, and the steady presence everyone could rely on. Everything he did was for those he loved most. He took immense pride in being a father to his three children, Lucy Mae, Olive Marie, and Harlan Wade. His family was his entire world.

Cip also had a deep love for the outdoors. Some of his happiest moments were spent in the woods hunting with his father and his deer camp buddies. He was a proud outdoorsman who loved every aspect of hunting and the camaraderie that came with it.

Professionally, Cip dedicated nearly 16 years to Design Mechanical, where he worked as an HVAC Technician. He was a proud Journeyman and member of Pipefitters Union Local 533, earning the respect of coworkers and customers alike through his hard work, integrity, and commitment to his craft.

Cip was known throughout the neighborhood for his kindness and generosity. The neighborhood kids loved when he came outside to play football, baseball, or kickball in the front yard. He never met a stranger and would gladly give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and put others before himself.

Like many Kansas Citians, Cip had a love-hate relationship with the Chiefs and was the happiest he could be when they were winning championships. He was a lifelong Royals fan. He was overjoyed when the Royals won the 2015 World Series. In fact, his love for that championship team ran so deep that he and Christina named their son Harlan's middle name, Wade, after Royals closer Wade Davis.

Cip was a true family man in every sense of the word. His life was devoted to caring for, providing for, and loving his family. He was the best husband, father, son, brother, friend, neighbor, and role model anyone could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Debra Kay Candillo; his maternal grandfather, Donald Gregory; his paternal grandfather, Cipriano Candillo; and his paternal grandmother, Beverly Candillo.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christina Marie Candillo; his three beautiful children, Lucy Mae Candillo, Olive Marie Candillo, and Harlan Wade Candillo; his father, William (Bill) Candillo; his brother, Michael Candillo; his grandmother, Zelma Gregory; his loving Aunts, Tina Foreman, Norma Tumey, Brenda Corwin, Patti Candillo; and his sister, Rachel O'Neill.

He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Daniel (Vanidee) Stollenwerk and Steven (Dani) Stollenwerk; his mother-in-law, Veronica Shireman; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and all those whose lives were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Cip's sudden passing has left a void that can never be filled. He was deeply loved by his family, and we will forever struggle to understand life without him. While our hearts are broken, we are grateful for every moment we shared with him and for the incredible example he set through his love, loyalty, and selflessness.

As scripture reminds us in John 11:25-26 , Jesus says "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."

Cip’s faith in Jesus Christ was an integral part of who he was, and it brings comfort to those who loved him to know that this earthly separation is not forever. We find peace in the belief that he has been welcomed into the arms of his Savior and reunited in heaven with his mother and other family members who have gone before him. Though our hearts ache in his absence, we hold tightly to the promise that we will see him again.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Terrace Park Funeral Home, 801 N.W. 108th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64155.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Heart Church KC, 17142 E. 39th Street South, Independence, Missouri 64055.

Burial will follow at Terrace Park Funeral Home Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life immediately afterward at Heart Church KC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to support Christina and the children may be made directly to Christina or any member of the immediate family.

Though he is no longer with us, Cip's love, laughter, strength, and unwavering devotion to his family will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.