John E. Armel

John E. "Jack" Armel Jack Armel, 83, died peacefully on January 18 surrounded by family and caregivers at Sunrise Assisted Living in Leawood. Jack was born on June 22, 1924, in Kansas City, Mo., to Frances and Nathaniel Armel, and grew up in Humboldt, Kan. Following high school graduation he enlisted in the Air Force, was trained as a B-25 bomber pilot, and served in the South Pacific. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1949 with a degree in journalism, and was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity. Jack began his career with several radio and newspaper positions before returning to Kansas City. Here he worked in the insurance industry for many years and retired from an executive position with the Uniformed Services Benefit Association. He then purchased and managed American Business Masters, Inc. Jack was a longtime parishioner of Cure of Ars Church in Leawood. He was an avid golfer, sang barbershop quartet for many years, and was especially known for his sense of humor, wit and his kind heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Natalie Johnson and her husband Johnnie. He leaves behind a large family and many friends who will miss him. They include his wife, Virginia, of the home; daughters Debbie Frederick and her husband Bob, Lakin, Kan., and Tracey Skupny and her husband John, St. Helena, Calif.; son John Armel and his wife Sherri, Lenexa; sister Gloria Benz and her husband Jake, Perry, Ohio; brother Larry Armel and his wife JoAnne, Leawood; the children of his extended family, Kathy Tschoerner, Bob Bodine, Patti Bechtold and her husband Dave, and Joe Bodine and his wife Laura; 11 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W. 119th St., Leawood, at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, with visitation at the church at 9:30 a.m. that day. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Catholic Charities, 9750 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS 66212, or Hospice Care of Kansas, 15329 W. 95th St., Lenexa, KS 66219