John F. Humphrey, 81, formerly of Oak Grove, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 10, 2022, at his home in Lee’s Summit, MO, with his wife of 64 years by his side. A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23rd at Longview Chapel Christian Church, 850 SW Longview Road, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City. Envelopes will be provided at the service, or you can donate online or via mail. If by mail, please include John’s name on the memo line and mail to: Ronald McDonald House, Attn: Mike Jeffries, 2502 Cherry Street, Kansas City, MO 64018.
John was born on August 29, 1940, in Sedalia Missouri, the son of Frank F. and Vivian (Reed) Humphrey. He attended Center High School in Kansas City, MO, graduating with the class of 1958. He then attended Lee College in Baytown, TX, and earned his associate degree in speech/writing. John married Glenda on September 6, 1958. She was his only true love for life. John was a Firefighter for the KCMO Station 41, then moved to Baytown and worked for the Baytown Fire Department. He was their first Aerial Ladder operator. John received 2 accommodations, one for his writing on Fire Prevention from the National Fire Prevention Association and one for life saving award. While in Baytown, he had a Radio Show called Firefighters Hotline and he taught Babysitting CPR courses at the Baytown Junior High School and handed out certified babysitter certificates. John moved back to the Kansas City area and worked as a Field Supervisor for Household Research Institution and then went to work for Blue Luster Home Care as a Regional Manager. He later co-owned and operated Oak Grove Bowl and Recreation Center in Oak Grove, MO, with his wife Glenda. Over the years in Oak Grove, John was President of Little League Baseball; worked with Missouri Public Service to donate light poles and lighting for the first big field; was Vice President of the Oak Grove Jaycees; was President of Oak Grove Chamber; served as Oak Grove City Council member of the 2nd District, where he made the motion for the 1% sales tax for the first city ambulance service and hired the city’s first ambulance director; applied and received grants to build new tennis courts for the city park; applied and received grants for the Oak Grove city warning system; and as Mayor, he hired the first City Administrator. John was a member of the Blue Springs Elks Lodge #2509 for 27+ years. He received the Blue Spring Elks Lodge #2509 Distinguished Citizenship award of the year. John was a strong Christian and as a young man he received the perfect attendance pin for 18 years with the Marlboro Baptist Church of KCMO. He even attended church on his honeymoon.
John was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frank “Corky” Humphrey Jr. and Jack L. Humphrey; and one sister, Roberta Humphrey Adamski.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda Humphrey of the home; three children: Donna Humphrey-Hackley (John), John Humphrey Jr. (Melinda); and Patrick Humphrey (Julie); 10 grandchildren; and soon to be 24 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Matthew Young
21 Jul 2022We honored you in life we love you dearly John and thank you for being there for us
Ernie Southard
24 Jul 2022Glenda, Donna, John, Pat and family,
Linda and I were sad to hear of John’s passing. John was a wonderful person. I so enjoyed working with him at Kohl’s. The stories he would tell were golden. He will be greatly missed.