Tee Jay Cartner (T.J.) age 81, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026 at Ignite Medical Resort of Saint Mary’s in Blue Springs, MO after a long battle with several different cancers.
T. J. was born September 13, 1944, in Independence, MO to Tommy Cartner and Betty Bartlett. He graduated in 1962 from Grain Valley High School.
In 1963 T.J. married Linda Mollenkamp, together they had two children. T.J. served in the US Air Force from 1963-1967, as an aircraft mechanic working on B52 long bombers as well as KC135 refueling planes. He completed basic training in San Antonio, TX. His assignment was to be based in Wichita Falls, TX and was later transferred to Portsmouth, NH. T.J. and Linda later parted but remained close friends until his death.
T.J. worked at Allied Vanlines Moving Company and also Allis Chalmers working on combines. He then worked at Western Electric (AT&T) in Lee’s Summit, MO where both his mother and sister also worked. He was a factory worker and a union steward. In 1989 T.J. moved to Florida to finish out his years with AT&T and would go on to take an early retirement with full benefits at the age of 51.
In his younger years he always enjoyed many family vacations. He also loved working his farm, with many head of cattle, horses, and goats.
In 2005 T.J. relocated to Graysville, TN where he resided until 2020 when he moved back to Pleasant Hill, Missouri to be closer to his family. A good day to T.J. was spent four wheeling with family and friends in the mountains of Tennessee.
T.J. never met a stranger, always with a smile, was ready to put a hand up to say Hi.
Survived by his daughter, Lisa (Brian) McShane, son, Jeff (Tria) Cartner and sister Dorothy (Gary) Eastwood; Grandchildren, Cheyenne Cartner, Cierra (Hannibal) Boston, Truman Cartner, Kristin Cartner, Cody (Zaira) McShane, Lexi (Mike) Showman, Melanie Gilliam; 12 Great grandchildren, and a loving extended family.
A special thank you to Linda Sharp and Jimmy White for their love, friendship, and support. Also thank you to the staff at Ignite Medical Resort who took excellent care of him.
Tee Jay’s remains will be placed at the Pleasant Hill cemetery. A celebration of life in honor of Tee Jay Cartner will be held on Saturday Aug 29th, 2026 from 12:00 - 2:00pm at the VFW Post 3118, 1701 Country Club Dr., Pleasant Hill, MO 64080.
