Michael Kent Carroll

Jul 29, 2021 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2021 | 2 comments

Michael Kent Carroll passed away suddenly on July 12, 2021, at home in Kansas City, Missouri. He was 53.

A native of Lake Forest, Illinois, Mike was born on September 22, 1967, to Patrick and Bernadine Carroll. A proud Lake Forest High School Scout, Mike excelled in football as quarterback and captain of the team and basketball (as captain), and was a member of the school’s first lacrosse team, which went on to win the first state championship in Illinois, among other athletic and academic pursuits.

In 1986, Mike enrolled at the University of Kansas, earning his B.S. degree in psychology in 1990. As a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and an avid Jayhawks fan, Mike established lifelong friendships with his upbeat, optimistic and effervescent personality.

Upon graduation from KU, Mike made Kansas City his home, and with his characteristic entrepreneurial spirit founded Carroll Inc., selling casework and millwork, primarily to an up-and-coming startup operation at the time, Bagel & Bagel (later to become Einstein Brothers). His focus on detail and keen eye for quality in their restaurant furnishings and atmosphere helped make it a destination eatery in its early days. Like his father, he was a natural with customers, and his dedication enabled him to be respected and recognized in the industry early on in his career.

Eager to live life to the fullest, after five years at the helm of Carroll Inc., he opted to spend a year traveling the world, visiting cities all over the globe, from Athens to Amsterdam, Dublin to Delhi. With his welcoming personality and generous temperament, he undoubtedly brightened the lives of those he encountered throughout this exciting adventure.

Upon his return, he joined the family business in 1997 as General Manager of Operations of Carroll Seating, based in Chicago, and expanded the business with Carroll Seating – KC, which established a firm foothold in the Midwest by selling a vast array of products to schools, hospitals, laboratories and more throughout Kansas and Missouri. Carroll Seating – KC flourished into a multimillion-dollar enterprise thanks to his efforts, and he continued to foster its growth for the next 25 years, opening offices in St Louis, Missouri, and Owatonna, Minnesota. To date, Carroll Seating, with headquarters in Chicago and Kansas City, now represents more than 25 institutional furnishing lines, servicing more than 1,500 accounts in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois.

Mike was fortunate to reconnect with the woman who became the love of his life, Maureen McMeel, in 2010. They were married in August 2013 in Amelia Island, Florida, blending their family (of six children in six different schools without a driver!) with grace, care, and most essentially, a sense of humor and promise. Mike and Maureen loved to travel (traversing the globe to far-ranging locales including Croatia, Cambodia and Vietnam, to name a few) and enjoyed music, volunteering, biking, hikingand more in their time together, which ended far too soon. He was a devoted music fan, traveling to venues across the country to enjoy artists of all genres, including an annual pilgrimage to the New Orleans Jazz Festival with many of his Lake Forest friends.

Mike’s endearing disposition and love of family, friends and music delighted all who were fortunate to know him. His smile lit up a room and any conversation, as one could not help but smile with him; it was infectious. He thrived by being with people, and people loved to be with him. Charming, smart and funny, he will be deeply missed.

Mike is survived by Maureen; three children, Porter, Corbin and Hudson Carroll; three stepchildren, Wheaton, Elizabeth and Reilly Jackoboice; sister Susan (Kevin), brother PJ (Suzy), and brother Tracy; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A private service and memorial will be held at a later date. In remembrance of Michael’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Christmas in October in Kansas City, Missouri, or Tipitina’s Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Joey Jurden

1 year ago

A true gentleman.

I will miss his dry wit and kind smile. He was a good man and I am grateful for knowing him.

Sarah JaneStevenson

1 year ago

John and I always looked so forward to our time with Mike and Maureen. It’s so fun and refreshing to be around positive and happy married couples. We will cherish the memories and great times we had with Mike. He was truly one in a million.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

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Joyce F.

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

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Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

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Eleanor P.

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Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group