Fella Adebiyi
Photograph of Fella Adebiyi, by way of his Officer Down Memorial Page.
Fella Adebiyi moved on from this life on May 12, 2020. Fella died of complications from Covid-19 at the age of 59.
Fella was a loving son, father, grandfather, and brother. He was affectionately known as “big daddy” and was infamous for making people laugh.
Fella spent 20 years of his life working in the Kansas corrections system. He was wholeheartedly devoted to the individuals he worked with. His family feared that his dedication to his career would put him in danger of getting sick and asked him to stop going to work, but he’d respond, “They need me.”
Two of Fella’s siblings were on their way to Kansas from Nigeria when the global shutdowns began in March and they got stuck in London. Fella called them when he was diagnosed with Covid-19; their fears came to life. They got to speak to Fella on the phone while he was in the hospital.
Sheri Adebiyi, Fella’s sister, said, “We couldn’t be there, and he died alone. So that’s one of the most painful facts. That was the very painful part.”
On Fella’s Officer Down Memorial Page, Deputy Nate Meeker of the Platte County Sheriff Department wrote, “Worked with you a few times when I worked at the [Lansing] facility. One of the kindest men I have ever met. You will be missed. Rest Easy.” The page for Fella is filled with pages and pages of heartfelt messages from friends and colleagues.
Fella’s brother, Bidemi Adebiyi, says, “He was a very caring, kind man and everything. Everybody loved him. We are going to miss him a lot.”
Fella’s family, at this heartbreaking time, says, “We’re saying a big thank you to everybody for what they’ve done so far for us. We really pray for them that God would protect every one of them, and they should keep themselves safe as well. Corona is real. Be safe.”
Fella’s love for others and gift for making people laugh will be greatly missed.
This memorial was written by MOL team member Caroline Harlow with information from Fella’s Officer Down Memorial Page and reporting by Kera Mashek of Fox 4 Kansas City and Katie Bernard and Jonathan Shorman of The Kansas City Star.
