John O. "Buddy" Wolfe

John O. "Buddy" Wolfe obituary

John O. "Buddy" Wolfe

John Wolfe Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa on Aug. 9, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

John O. "Buddy" Wolfe, 81, of Chetopa, passed away the morning of Friday, August 8, 2025, at Oswego Health & Rehab.

John Owen Wolfe was born on January 22, 1944, to John and Alma (Sheffield) Wolfe in Welch, Oklahoma.

Buddy graduated from Chetopa High School. Following graduation, he attended and received his master's degrees in business accounting and teaching from Pitt State University.

On June 1, 2007, Buddy and Kay Ann Romanzi were united in marriage in Girard, KS.

Buddy worked for 48 years at the ammunition plant in Parsons, Kansas, where he was a pipefitter.

Buddy loved playing guitar and helped teach the art of guitar to countless people through the years. This led to his induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, twice. In his spare time, he would help tutor those in need and spend time with his family.

Survivors include:

His wife – Kay, of the home

Children – Zachary Richardson of Chetopa, Kansas

Sarah Daniels and husband Matthew of Joplin, Missouri

Joey Wolfe of Chetopa, Kansas

Lee Wolfe of Chetopa, Kansas

Dana Johnson of Miami, Oklahoma

Laura Wolfe of Chetopa, Kansas

Five grandchildren – Stetcyn, Weston, Joey, Tiffany, and Noah

Two great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ernie Wolfe, and two sisters: Pat Blyah and Annie Cook.

A memorial service will be held, at 2 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, 605 Locust, Chetopa, KS 67336.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of John O. "Buddy" Wolfe, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John O. "Buddy" Wolfe, please click here to visit our sympathy store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa

Corner of 6th & Locust St. P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336

Make a Donation
in John Wolfe's name

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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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
Ways to honor John Wolfe's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign John Wolfe's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?