Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John McElhiney Obituary
3/8/1939 - 9/29/2020
John Edward McElhiney was born to Helen Bryan McElhiney and Max Otis McElhiney in St Joseph, Missouri on March 8, 1939. He attended the University of Kansas, for a BS and MS and the University of Missouri for a Ph.D in chemical engineering. He worked for Marathon.
John married Annette Bennington McElhiney, his high school sweetheart, on Jan 27, 1962. Their eldest son Matthew, a lawyer in Denver, was born in Baton Rouge, La on July 29, 1964. Their youngest son Ben, the CEO of Ultra Care was born on November 25, 1969.
John had his first cardiac bypass surgery when he was 55 and 5 other cardiac procedures after that. In 2014 he had atrial fibrillation and the beginning of chronic kidney disease. He had a pacemaker implanted in 2016. John was treated for chronic kidney disease at the UCSD Chronic Kidney Disease clinic in SD and was headed for dialysis when he healed from the surgery.
Just one month, to the day, before Johns death, he and Annette moved to independent living at White Sands 7450 Olivetas Ave, Apt 293, La Jolla, Ca. 92037. Because of her post chemo for ovarian cancer neuropathy of her hands and feet, aggravated by the cold and altitude, Annette will stay there.
John leaves behind In addition to Annette his wife of 58 years, Matt and Ben, 3 grandchildren that he adored: Maxwell Jee Min McElhiney 20, Mackenzie Shea McElhiney, 16 and Keira Brynn McElhiney 12 and a niece Amanda Nolan And 2 daughter in laws, Coleen O'Conner (Matt's wife) and Jan McElhiney (Ben's wife.)
John escaped one of his worse fears (Dialysis and all that comes with it) and he is now free. But his entire family is heartbroken. Because of COVID, John will be cremated and if this horrendous year and COVID are ever over, the family hopes to hold a Celebration of Life for family and friends in Denver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McElhiney
Sponsored by The Denver Post.
5 Entries
Robert Allan Hinton
June 16, 2021
I was a class mate of John for nearly all Chemical Engineering curriculum at the University of Kansas - 1957-1961. John and Darryl Roberts and I cooperated on several academic projects. We enjoyed having a beer together during Friday afternoon meetings of "The Friday Association" informal social group. I am looking forward to a reunion with John in Heaven (Jesus Willing). My condolences to Family and Friends. Robert Allan Hinton -- University of Kansas - Ch.E. - 1961
Charlene Hodges
November 23, 2020
I loved working with John at Marathon Oil. Wonderful man!
George Southwell
November 14, 2020
John was lots of fun to be with. He was witty and funny, had many good stories and loved to laugh. He was also an avid gardener and loved growing everything from vegetables to gladiolus.
American Heart Association
November 11, 2020
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
S Chambers
November 11, 2020
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones. 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in John McElhiney's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for John McElhiney
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John McElhiney's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
