Paul Kemp Sessel

Paul Kemp Sessel, 70, of Leawood, KS, died Monday, March 2, 2026. The family suggests contributions to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Mercy Hospital, or Temple B'nai Jehudah. A private service for Paul will be held at a later date.

Paul (also known affectionately as Sess or Paulie by his friends) was born on June 4, 1955 to the late Joseph and Bernice Sessel in Kansas City, MO. Paul grew up in South Waldo near the old Jewish Community Center where he swam, played baseball and hung out with the neighborhood kids. His dad coached his baseball team.

After attending Hartman Grade School and Southwest High School, Paul attended Mizzou where he was a proud and popular member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

After college, Paul worked for Jerry Leonard's big and tall clothing, where he rose to become the regional manager. Paul's desire and ambition to own his own business led him to buying a vending machine business. Still striving for more, Paul bought a Christmas decor installation business in the 1990s. His friends jokingly and affectionately called him the Jewish Santa. Seeing more opportunities in the wholesale supply side of the business, Paul sold the installation business and began selling wholesale Christmas decor to all the other installers. He traveled to China several times to personally select his products.

Paul was a proud member of his Jewish faith and always wore his gold Star of David necklace that he had custom made. He and his family were long time members of B'nai Jehudah. For many years, Paul was a member of Meadowbrook Country Club and later Lionsgate golf club where he had at least one hole-in-one.

Paul met the love of his life, Clariessa (Ceese) in 1978 on a blind date while living on the Plaza. She has been his lifelong companion ever since. Together they shared their love of travel, having had the good fortune to travel all over the world. Paul especially enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas and Aruba. Paul also had a large and close network of friends with whom he shared many dinners, parties, New Years celebrations and golf outings.

Paul loved food. He not only enjoyed eating out at good restaurants, but was an excellent chef himself. His friends considered themselves lucky to be invited to one of his dinner parties where he prepared meals fit for Kings.

Paul will be missed not only by his family and friends, but also by his loyal dogs, Tito and Honor, whom he loved and doted on.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bernice, and his sister, Karen, who recently passed away.

He is survived by his wife Ceese. His sister, Barb Machauf and her spouse, Saul from Prairie Village, KS. Paul also leaves nephews, Joe and his spouse Crysi Sessel and James Machauf. He also leaves his cherished dogs and many, many friends who loved him and will never forget him.