JOHN McCLURE Obituary

John Charles McClure, November 18, 1975 to October 19, 2011, was a resident of Kansas City, Mo. John was raised in Tescott, Ks., and graduated from Tescott High School in 1994. He served in the United States Navy from 1994 - 1998, on the USS Independence. Following his naval service, he graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. John was the owner and executive chef of Starker's Restaurant on-the-Plaza in Kansas City. Food was his passion and it earned him two distinguished honors in the culinary world; the Wine Spectator Grand Award for one of the greatest wine lists in the world and he was recognized by The James Beard Foundation for Outstanding Contribution to the Foundation in July 2009. John was a member of the Greater Kansas City Restaurant Foundation and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was the director of the Cliff Bath Memorial Scholarship Fund and participated in numerous charitable events (too many to mention) each year. John was preceded in death by his grandfathers, L.M. "Mitch" McClure and Floyd Chapman. He leaves his parents, Gilbert and Marilyn McClure, Kansas City, Ks., brother, Rob (Jennifer) McClure, Tescott, sister, Angela (Paul) Kolenda, Kansas City, Ks., his grandmothers, Cleo McClure, Tescott and Ruth Chapman, Clay Center, Ks.; three nephews, Zachery, Zane and Weston McClure; two nieces, Olivia and Lucy Kolenda and one grandnephew, Mason McClure. John will forever be remembered by countless friends and family who were blessed to know him. John touched the lives of many people with his larger-than-life personality and generosity. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service on Monday, October 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., at the Record Bar, 1020 Westport Rd., KCMo. The family suggests memorials to the Cliff Bath Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Shawnee Mission Education Foundation, 7235 Antioch, Shawnee Mission, Ks. 66204 or to the charity of the donor's choice. Memorial services in Tescott will be at a later date. (Arr.: Joseph A. Butler & Son, 19th & Minnesota Ave., KCK, 913-371-7000, butlerandsonfuneralhome.com)

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Published by Kansas City Star on Oct. 22, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN McCLURE

14 Entries

Marcellus Sinclair

October 27, 2011

Mr. and Mrs. McClure. I only had the pleasure of meeting your son on a couple of occasions at social gatherings. After a few seconds, you could tell how generous, magnanimous and genuine John was. I am very deeply sorry for your loss. I pray John will rest in peace. My deepest condolences.

Jalynda Poncin Cervantes

October 24, 2011

Dear Marilyn & Gilbert; Angie, Paul & Girls; Rob & Jennifer & boys;
John...touched countless lives with his energy, drive, determination and spirit. He set such a high bar for us all to live our lives by. We were all so very fortunate to have been blessed with his presence in our lives. He left such an impact on us all, heart and souls. While we rejoice that he is no longer in any pain - we grieve deeply for his presence no longer being among us. We take great comfort in knowing that he is at peace, whole again, and pain free. John...We love you now and for ALWAYS. You were and will always will be my heart brother. God Bless All of your family during this Very difficult time. Rest in peace "Big Country"!

Cindy Hopkins

October 24, 2011

Although I did not know John well, I sensed his gentle spirit and loved his passion to share his culinary art. God bless and my prayers go out to John and his family. Cindy Hopkins

October 24, 2011

To Gilbert & Marilyn McClure, my prayers are with you and your family during this time. I didn't know John personally, but Dad always spoke so highly of him. May God continue to keep and comfort you now and later.

Tim Wells

October 23, 2011

John was a good friend that I met while serving in the the Navy with him. I have some great memories of John. I am sorry for the loss of such a great person.

Julie McCaskill

October 23, 2011

John, my family enjoyed the short time that you have been our neighbor. We laughed with you on the occasional weekend morning as you chased away the squirrels that kept stealing your tomatoes. My daughter's loved visiting your spring flowers and we enjoyed the life you brought to our neighborhood. You will be missed. My condolences to your family and friends. Rest in peace.

Dorothy McGregor

October 23, 2011

John made a difference with his life. I am so sorry for the family. You are in my prayers.

Kate Robey

October 22, 2011

John you were a great man, you will be missed.

Mark Webster

October 22, 2011

John,
You were an incredible Chef who shared your passion with everyone. You were always an ispiration to me, not just because of your Culinary talents, but also how you proudly served in the US Navy and were an advocate for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). You have touched so many lives John and you will be missed by all. "Fair Winds and Following Seas" my friend.

October 22, 2011

I only met John twice, once as a child and as a chef. I can't begin to say how sorry I am to his parents and Grandmother Cleo.
I am very sad for this loss.
Jean and Jim Graves

Angie Marts

October 22, 2011

You will be missed!

Laura Walker

October 22, 2011

John you are such a wonderful man, you will be missed by so many. Rest in peace my friend

John and Jackie Middelkamp

October 22, 2011

We first met John a few years ago when he had just taken over Starker's. We asked him to donate a dinner for a charity auction. He immediately stepped forward and agreed. What we learned about him is that he would always step forward. As a fellow Plaza tenant and foodie, we always had great stories to tell one another. We will miss his wonderful food, but we will miss him much more. Our sincere and deepest sympathy to his family, his friends, and all those he worked with.

October 22, 2011

John,
You blessed my life with your grand smile, larger than life personality, and wonderful meals. We will miss you and think of you often. I'm sure the angels are enjoying your delicious squash soup from your grandmother's recipe.
Brian McCroskey

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