John William Estes, age 84, died August 24, 2024 at Good Samaritan Care Center, Olathe, KS where he had been a resident since October 2017. In accordance with his wishes, a Committal Service was held at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery (Post) on September 5, 2024.
Mr. Estes was born May 15, 1940, at Kansas City, MO. He was the second son born to Otis Wm. Estes and Ruby Kinder Estes Morgan. He considered it a privilege to have grown up on the Estes family farm, where his widowed Grandmother Alice Sims Estes was a treasured member of the home. His Grandfather, George M. Estes, had built the home in 1901.
John was married to Judith Tice Staley on June 10, 1979 by Rev. Donald Welton, a favorite cousin of his. They made their home in Paola, KS, until moving to Stockton, Mo.
He was a steadfast loving father to two sons, David Michael Estes of Shawnee, KS and James Marshal Estes, who predeceased him on September 16,2020. Both sons were JCHA hockey players, and the three spent countless hours together at ice rinks and traveling to tournaments. John never missed a game, or the 4:00 AM hockey practices!
John began his education at the Spring Ridge Rural School where his mother taught eight grades. He graduated from Paola High School with the Class of 1957. He earned both a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology and Master’s in Industrial Technology from Pittsburg State College, Pittsburg, KS.
While attending Pitt State he was a member of ROTC, and upon graduation was commissioned a 2nd LT in the US Army. John served two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam, where he was a team member of 1st Air Cavalry, Special Forces/Green Beret. He served his country for seven years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Major. Among his awards, were the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and the Bronze Star.
Upon completion of his military service, he was employed in the transportation industry, then began Estes Metalcraft a manufacturer of caskets. He also designed and manufactured the Glyde Ryde Marine Suspension Seating System, both in Osawatomie, KS.
An accomplished horseman, trained by his Dad, he enjoyed showing horses in several states until his Father’s passing. His favorite memory was winning a championship stake at the American Royal Horse Show, at age twelve, on his black horse Playboy out of Longview Stables. His Grandmother celebrated the occasion with a gift to him of a new shotgun for his use in hunting on the farm.
Walleye and crappie fishing were special joys, as were peaceful sunrise mornings on Lake Stockton watching the bald eagles soar. When his health problems no longer permitted him to get into his boat, a special friend, Michael Taylor of Osawatomie, KS would go to Stockton Lake to lift him into the boat and spend time fishing with him. John never forgot his kindness. Later, his son David built a mechanism to lift him into the boat.
Some of John’s past memberships included Plum Creek Methodist Church, Paola Sunrise Lions, Lake Miola Committee, Kansas and Missouri Walleye Assoc., Disabled American Veterans, and Mainstream Coalition.
In addition, to son James, parents, grandparents, and brother Floyd G. Estes, he was predeceased by Judith’s parents, Bill and Doris Tice of WV. Also, his much-loved canine companions, Fluffy, Gunner, and Molly.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation please consider the Paola American Legion Post 156, Paola, Ks, or the charity of your choice.
