Dr. Jon M. Faubion, 74, of Manhattan, Kansas, passed away on August 28, 2025, from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Born on August 20, 1951, in Manhattan to Bill and Jerry Faubion, Jon grew up with a love of learning and a deep curiosity about the world around him. That curiosity led him into an academic career where he became a respected teacher, mentor, and leader in the field of grain science.

Jon began his career as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University (1980–1983) before returning to his home state to join Kansas State University as Professor (1983–1996, 2005–2019). In between, he served as Director of Scientific Services for the American Association of Cereal Chemists (1997–2001), where he also edited Cereal Chemistry and led short courses, check sample programs, and book acquisitions. From 2001 to 2005, he brought his expertise to the Schwan Food Company as Director of Applied Research and Sensory Science. He retired from Kansas State University in 2019, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and mentorship.

Outside of his professional life, Jon was a man of many passions. He was a dedicated collector of antiques, especially American and New England furniture from 1770–1810, Staffordshire pottery, and pressed glass. A voracious reader, he was particularly drawn to history, with a special focus on the Civil War period. His home was filled with music-classical and jazz alike-and his love of sports extended from cheering on the Kansas City Royals to following cricket and hockey, which he enjoyed sharing with his dear friend Gary Fulcher.

Jon had a gift for bringing people together. Whether preparing a fine meal, opening a good bottle of wine, or engaging in long, thoughtful conversation, he nurtured his friends and family with warmth and generosity. His bowties and vintage watches became signatures of his style, but his kindness, humor, and care for others were what truly defined him.

Jon is survived by his wife, Solveig Brant, and their beloved dog, Lulu; his sister, Jane Faubion, and her husband, Steve Davidson; sister-in-law, Sonja Betzen; nephew, Will Davidson, and his wife, Hannah, and their daughters, Iyla, Maisie, and Elise; niece, Julia Davidson, and her husband, Hunter Bradley, and their son, Hywel; and nieces, Joy and Jennifer Betzen. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws James and Dorris Brant and his brother-in-law, Randy Betzen.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 20, at 3:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church 3001 Grand Mere Parkway, Manhattan KS, followed by a gathering at Colbert Hills Clubhouse with food and fellowship for all.

Memorial donations may be made to Friends of the Hale Library/Concert Series, the Department of Grain Science at Kansas State University, or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, in care of Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502.

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