Paul Jermaine Wiltz, of Lee's Summit, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the age of 48, surrounded by love.

Paul was a devoted husband, a proud and playful dad, and someone who found joy in the things he loved most — singing at the top of his lungs, gaming, movie nights (especially anything Marvel or sci-fi), and cheering on the Houston Texans. He had a big heart, a quick smile, and a way of making people feel welcome just by being himself. To know him was to love him.

Paul worked for Unity Worldwide Ministry and ArtsTech and previously served students in the Hickman Mills and Lee's Summit school districts. He was passionate about creativity, technology, and giving young people opportunities to grow and thrive.

Born on August 4, 1977, in Houston, Texas, Paul was the son of Paul and Frances (Vital) Wiltz. He was raised in the Catholic faith at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Houston, where he received the sacraments and served as an altar server. As a kid, Paul stayed busy with Boy Scouts and choir, building friendships and a love for teamwork that stayed with him throughout his life.

Paul graduated from North Shore Senior High School in 1995, where he played football. He went on to attend Sam Houston State University and West Texas A&M University, continuing his football career at both schools. Never one to stop learning, Paul later earned bachelor's degrees from the University of Advancing Technology in Phoenix, Ariz., in game and interactive media design and digital video.

On June 21, 2014, Paul married the love of his life, Jennifer Sullivan. Together they built a beautiful life centered around their two children, Josie (15) and Tristan (9). Their days were filled with kids' sports, beach trips, laughter, and countless moments spent with friends and family—moments that will be treasured forever.

Paul is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his daughter, Josie; and his son, Tristan, all of the home. He is also survived by his sister, Stacey Wiltz Ndubuisi (James); godsister, Erica Vital; goddaughter, La'Retta Vital; parents-in-law, David and Cheryl Sullivan; sister-in-law, Tracy Tabb; brother-in-law, Robert Sullivan (Makenzie); nieces and nephews, Noah Wiltz Jenkins, Paige and Jay Overton; numerous aunts and uncles; along with many cousins, extended family members, and dear friends across the U.S. and abroad.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Frances Wiltz; his grandparents, Lanet and Pauline Wiltz, and Octave and Loretta Vital.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., immediately followed by the rosary, on Monday, February 2, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home, 2117 Independence Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64124. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1310 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO 64111, with burial following at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Repast to follow at ArtsTech.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Josie and Tristan Wiltz education fund, care of ArtsTech, 1522 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO 64108, or online at www.artstech-kc.org (please note the gift is for the Wiltz family).

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com .