KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Hunter Lee Simoncic, 26, of Kansas City, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, while proudly serving his community as a police officer with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.
Born on April 16, 1999, Hunter grew up on a small farm in Galesburg, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family and community. He was accomplished in his academic pursuits, graduating from Erie High School in 2018 and Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology in 2021. His passion for justice and science led him to further his education at Oklahoma State University, where he earned a Master’s in Forensic Science in 2023.
In November 2023, Hunter fulfilled his calling to public service by graduating from the KCKPD Academy and beginning his career as a police officer. His dedication, courage and compassion quickly became evident to both his colleagues and the community he served.
Hunter was energetic, adventurous and full of life. He embraced new experiences wholeheartedly, recently serving as an extra in the Hallmark movie “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” and exploring opportunities in modeling. In his free time, he enjoyed painting, lifting weights, writing his book and training as an avid CrossFitter at Mission Barbell Club.
Hunter had a heart for giving back. He served as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming meaningful connections with the youth he mentored. He also volunteered through the Lead to Read program, spending time each week reading to students at Banneker Elementary School, a role he cherished deeply.
Above all, Hunter will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of family and his unwavering devotion to serving others both in and out of uniform.
He is survived by his father, Ron Simoncic of Franklin; his mother, Christine Brungardt of Galesburg; his brother, Fischer Simoncic of Wichita; his grandmother, Rose Brungardt of Parsons; and his aunts and uncles, including Rick and Jacque Simoncic of Frontenac and Rod and Denise Fleming of Parsons.
See SIMONCIC, Page 2.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frank and Shirley Simoncic and Francis Brungardt; and his aunt and uncle, Terri Brungardt and Kirk Brungardt.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A public memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Children’s Mercy Park, 1 Sporting Way, Kansas City, Kansas.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, followed by a rosary at 2 p.m. with Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 2:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1807 Stevens Ave., Parsons. Hunter’s final resting place will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Parsons.
Funeral arrangements are being made through the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department and Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas.
