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John Flower Obituary
John Edward Flower, age 68 of Basehor, KS. and previously of St. Louis, MO, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at the University of Kansas Medical Center surrounded by his family. A Celebration of John's life was held 1pm on Saturday, Oct. 25th at the Basehor United Methodist Church. The family received friends at the church from 11:30am to 1pm prior to the service.
John was born on September 8, 1946 in Kansas City, Kansas the youngest of two children born to Dale and Frankie (Perry) Flower. John was a graduate of Turner High School and Rockhurst University. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. John was an executive at Southwestern Bell Telephone (now AT&T) and retired in 1999 after a 33-year career. In 2008 John was elected as a Leavenworth County Commissioner and served through 2012. John was very active in local and county government, most recently serving on the Planning Board for the City of Basehor. John married Diana Marie Gammon on December 20, 1969 and they spent 40 wonderful years together. Diana preceded him in death on December 11, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Thomas Gammon, and son-in-law William Ryan Torpey. He is survived by two children: Jason Flower (wife Diana) and Alexia Torpey; two grandchildren (Georgia Torpey and Cecily Flower); one sister, Jeanne A. Alexander; mother-in-law, Edna Gammon; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Debra Cook; four nephews and one niece. John married Susan Ash Dudley on September 28, 2013 and expanded his family immediately with two stepchildren, Melissa Ash Glenski (husband Thomas) and Dr. Michael Ash (wife Danielle), as well as three step-grandchildren (Sarah Glenski, Isaac and Liam Ash). John was passionate about his faith, his family, and his many hobbies. He loved music, especially jazz, and had a music collection of over 1500 CDs. He was a patron of the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City and helped establish the Jazz at the Bistro program in St. Louis. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed playing softball, sailing (especially with his best friend Larry Thompson), and riding his motorcycle. However, John's spirit shined the brightest in the company of his family, especially his grandchildren. When he wasn't at the grill or preparing meats in the smoker, he loved cooking with Sue and entertaining friends and family. The last ten years of John's life were made possible through organ donation – a gift for which he was immensely grateful. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Basehor United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice, both in care of the Alden-Harrington Funeral Home.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Flower
Frank DeCoster
February 12, 2015
Rest in peace my old friend. Munich Germany was fun for two young men. Sorry I didn't stay in touch.
Sabrina Valenta
November 2, 2014
I met John through politics and I had much respect for him . I loved his laugh and personality. It's funny because he would always tell people when introducing me " this gal here she is honest". I think that is what he liked about me the most as a friend and that' is what I also grew to admire the most about him as well.
Sorry I found out about John's passing after services or I would have been there.. Prayed for comfort for the family.
Blessings,
November 2, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Flower family for the loss of your beloved.
May God lift you up in comfort, as you draw close to him in prayer.
-Psalm 94:18, 19
~D. Henley
virginia williams
October 29, 2014
John, you will be missed. I remember you helped me and a developer about a year ago. You asked for nothing in return. You were just willing to offer your guidance
w
richard shelton
October 28, 2014
John was one of the truly "good guys"
Doris Annette Deutsch (maiden name Bain)
October 28, 2014
I met John at Junction Grade School in Kansas City, KS. I remember how all the girls thought he was dreamy! He only had eyes for. Diana, though.
John was a bright light and he filled a room with that light. He was so friendly, he was intelligent and just fun to be around. I was such a shy girl and usually found it very difficult to just get a hello out of my mouth. John, on the other hand, could talk to anyone.
After Elementary School, we both went to Turner High School. Again, John was a shining star there. He was involved in so many things; he was just a natural.
After High School, of course, we all went our own way and followed different roads--roads I believe planned by God. While some of us got off of that road, from time to time (speaking for myself), in reading about John's life, it seems he surely followed that road--what I would have expected from him.
John and I never saw each other but we talked on the phone--go figure! I was working for UMKC and he was working for the phone company and John got right to our problem and took care of it. I'll never forget how funny we both thought it was, that after so many years, we would be talking on the phone.
I can still see John walking down the hall at Turner, books under his arm, with that free- wheeling air he had and that curly hair and black glasses---and who, disguised as a mild mannered student, could leap tall buildings in a single bound.
May God surround his family with comfort and peace now and in the coming days, months and years. I know he will be so missed. Now he is with the others who went before and his beloved Diana.
Tom Jambrosic
October 28, 2014
We shall all meet again my friend. Always a class guy with a nice thing to say about everyone. We will miss John, my deepest condolences to the entire family.
Ray Schlz
October 27, 2014
I always enjoyed talking and visiting with John ever since our days in Kansas City. I aso worked with John during divestiture planning and at Telecom.
Helen Miller
October 25, 2014
John was one of those people that you could enjoy being around.
John was one or those people that you enjoyed being around. RIP
October 25, 2014
My condolences to John's family. John was a good friend at Turner High. He will be remembered in my prayers.
Curtis "Mike" King
Chicago, IL
Crissy McNellis
October 25, 2014
An amazing man who will truly be missed. RIP sweet John.
Steve Davis
October 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. John was a tremendous mentor to my in my career. My fondest memories of John is how much he cared about people and enjoyed everything he did. He is a great man that will be missed by all that knew him. My families thoughts and prayers are with you.
David Garrett
October 24, 2014
I had the privilege of working with John, as did my father (Phil Garrett) with his mother, Frankie. John was always more concerned with the person than the "employee," a thoughtful often introspective fellow. We grew apart in the years since John left (then) SBC, but memories are fond. My condolences to John's family and closest friends.
October 24, 2014
I had the privilege of working with John, as did my father (Phil Garrett) with his mother, Frankie.
Terry Winchell
October 24, 2014
Good guy from start to finish.
October 24, 2014
Dear friend and good memories for 35 years. Rest in peace my dear friend. Prayers to Sue and the Flower family. Marie "Cus"
October 24, 2014
What a wonderful and giving person. Our prayers are with the Flowers family
Dennis and Debbie Breuer
Sharon Turner Conaty
October 23, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Flower family.
matthew dubois
October 23, 2014
We love and miss u uncle john u will be missed..
Joe Leay
October 23, 2014
Thoughts and prayers go out to Lexi, Georgia and the Flower family on this sad occasion.
bob moore
October 23, 2014
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Tammy Potts
October 23, 2014
Godspeed John ~ You have been a blessing to the people of Leavenworth County. I first met you as volunteer in our schools, and later as a Trustee for the Basehor Community Library. We are grateful for your hard work, dedicated community service and gutsy passion for life. Our heartfelt sympathy to your family and close friends. You will be missed.
October 23, 2014
I will always remember fondly John since the day I first met him over 40 years ago. A bright and friendly man, he has gone too soon and will be deeply missed. God Bless you John, and may he hold you in his hands.
Stu Katz
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Alden-Harrington Funeral Home, Inc.214 Oak Street, Bonner Springs, KS 66012
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