John Caresio

John Neal Caresio, known as Sheik by many, age 61, of Wichita, Kansas passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, September 30, 2024. John was born on May 8th, 1963, in Chanute, Kansas to Johnnie and Helen (White) Caresio. In 1966 Johnnie & Helen moved their family to Coffeyville. John attended Holy Name Catholic School and Field Kindley Memorial High School where he graduated class of 1981. He attended and played baseball 2 years at Coffeyville Community College and then went on to play baseball as a pitcher for 2 years at Kansas State University.
He then returned home and worked with his father Johnnie, Uncle Pete and Grandmother, Rosalie who owned and operated Caresio Brothers Distributing Company, Inc. In 1987 he married Beth Spillman, and the couple made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their 2 children Zach and Samantha. They later divorced. When Caresio Brothers Distributing Company, Inc. closed in 2007, he was then employed by Best Beverage (Budweiser) working for the Demo family. John worked for Best Beverage until 2015 when he moved to Wichita, Kansas to be with his partner Laurie. John worked at Menards in Wichita where he made great friends with coworkers and loved learning more to help out the customers. Although he struggled with his health, he adored his kidney nurse Gail who was wonderful to him. John enjoyed golfing, fishing, cooking, watching sports, drawing, listening to rock music, going to concerts and drinking cold beer. Most of all he loved the time he spent surrounded by his family & friends.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his children, Zach Caresio of Olathe, Kansas, Samantha Kudrick and husband Kelly of Coffeyville, Kansas; two grandchildren Khloe and Kinley Kudrick; brother, Pete Caresio and wife Becky of Coffeyville, Kansas; sister, Joni Giesen and husband Rich of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma; His partner Laurie Winklmeier Lassley of Wichita, Kansas and her children Logan and wife Taylor Lassley of Kellyville, Oklahoma; daughter Abbey Eddington and husband Luke of Wichita, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie R. and Helen I. Caresio.
The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., Monday, October 7, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Coffeyville prior to the funeral service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Holy Name Catholic Church with Father James Schibi officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery in Coffeyville.
Friends may call on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. The family will greet friends Sunday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family encourages everyone to wear Kansas State Wildcat purple.
The family suggests memorials to the National Kidney Foundation; contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337.
To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.
David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville is in charge of arrangements.