John Turner Wyatt III

John Turner Wyatt III, age 59, of Climax Springs, passed away on August 30th. He's left a void in the hearts of many, but most especially his mother, Edna Cherry; sister, Kelly Wyatt; loving partner, Carla Williams; children, Nick Wyatt and Megan Wyatt (Michael Levy); step-children, Marie Stevens (Ben Stevens), and Brent Perry (Theresa Perry); and grandchildren, Virginia, Noah, Miguel, Leo, Piper, Levi, and Cole.

John was a force. He rarely stopped moving, often finding new projects around the house or in his yard to complete before the previous ones were done. His children remember him for this throughout their childhood, and for always having donuts in the kitchen on Sunday mornings before they woke up. He loved fishing, reading, grilling, smoking the occasional cigar, and drinking an occasional beer (or two) while looking at the lake.

John grew up in a farmhouse in Wathena, Kansas and loved exploring the timber, building forts, and playing in his grandparent's barn. His chores included gathering eggs from the chickens, chopping ice for their hogs to drink in the winter, working in the garden, and putting up hay. As a teenager he excelled in high school, earning good grades while playing for the high school football team, acting in the school's drama program, and working nights and weekends at the local market. Ultimately he earned a full ride scholarship to play football at Culver Stockton college, and went on to play all four years while earning a degree in Business. He graduated ready to start a life for himself, and he did just that in Kansas City, MO.

John didn't slow down in adulthood. He went into business for himself and enjoyed a long and meaningful career as a financial advisor, focusing on helping small businesses structure retirement programs for their employees. John was quietly brilliant at public speaking and loved teaching classes at his client sites, having one-on-one discussions and counseling time with the individuals based on their specific needs. He took pride in helping people make the best use of their resources, acting with sensitivity and acknowledging the nuance of each person's circumstance. He did all this while maintaining a strong and constant presence in his children's lives, taking them fishing, coaching their sports teams, and telling them to get outside on the weekends.

For the last 10+ years John has resided full time at Lake of the Ozarks and spent most of his time with his partner Carla. Together they enjoyed the lake, decorating for Christmas with an enthusiasm that must be seen to be believed, and entertaining their friends and family over the summer, especially their children and grandchildren. He was happy during this last phase, not a profound statement, but an important one. He didn't need much to have a good day. At the lake he was known as a generous neighbor and good friend, always willing to lend a hand with a chore or project, or an ear to chat about life (though often sports).

It's impossible to sum up a life in an obituary, but this one doesn't need to. John's presence and impact will be felt and remembered by his loved ones as long as they're living. He often stressed to his children that the only way to fail something was to not try at all. They have his influence to thank for what they've achieved so far in life. All who loved him will continue to be inspired by his work ethic and grit, and remember fondly his sense of humor and quick wit.

Every year in August, John's tradition was to read "The Big House" by George Howe Colt and reflect on the summer at his lake house. He didn't get to do that this year, but you're welcome to read it for him this time and remember him for all the ways he made our summers (and lives) more fun.

A celebration of life will be held later this fall for loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.