Thaddeus Edward Nugent III

Thaddeus Edward Nugent, III passed away at his home on November 29, 2025. He was 42 years old.

Thaddeus was born on October 12, 1983 in Kansas City, Missouri to R. Jan and Thaddeus E. Nugent, Jr. Even from the youngest age he was a bright, engaging, mischievous young man full of energy and spirit. He had the gift of curiosity and a love for tinkering, never hesitating to explore, discover, disassemble anything with moving parts or tiny pieces that he could get his hands on.

Thad had such a good heart. He loved his family so well and cared for everyone he met. He was a talented musician and loved music. He learned to play the guitar as a boy and from then on, he kept his instrument within arm’s reach. He found a sense of accomplishment in his music and was happy to play for an audience of one or a hundred, in public or in private, a time or two outside the family home on 99th Street with his amp turned up and the sound bouncing off the buildings a block away.

Thad graduated high school in 2001. He continued to work creatively with his hands and became a skilled tradesman, working in carpentry and finish work throughout the Kansas City metro and across northeast Kansas. On September 27, 2013 he married the love of his life, Tessa Kolbek. They spent twelve years together and have two precious children, Thaddeus Edward IV, age 9 and Tulliah Marie, age 2. Thad loved Tessa fiercely, and he adored his family. They were his absolute pride and joy.

Thad was preceded in death by his father, Thaddeus E. Nugent, Jr. and his mother, R. Jan Westmoreland. He is survived by his wife, Tessa Nugent, son Thaddeus E. Nugent IV, daughter Tulliah Marie Nugent, bonus dad Robert Westmoreland, sister Shannon (Brian) Smith, bonus siblings Keith VanVleet, Ryan Westmoreland, Erika (Todd) Pearce, and Chad (Tess) Westmoreland as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and lifelong friends.

A memorial service honoring Thad’s memory will be held at 3:00pm at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with a visitation the hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a memorial fund in support of Tessa and the kids: https://gofund.me/bbca31373

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