Jon William Risner, age 70, of Independence, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Medicalodges.
Jon was born in San Diego, California to Clay and Rusty Risner and was raised in Independence. He attended the Independence school system and graduated from Independence High School in 1974. He later attended Pittsburg State University, where he earned with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and was a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society.
Jon worked as a paraprofessional from 1993 to 1996. Over the years, he was employed at Class LTD in Independence, GW Foods in Cherryvale, Amazon in Coffeyville, and also served part-time as a job coach for individuals with developmental disabilities until health issues prevented him from continuing to work.
Encouraging and helping others was Jon’s true passion. He devoted countless hours volunteering with a wide variety of organizations and community programs, always ready with a helping hand and a warm smile. Jon never met a stranger and was known for his wealth of knowledge about Independence and its history. He was an organizer of the Family and Community Leadership Program sponsored by ICC, the Montgomery Extension Council, and the Montgomery County Family and Community Education Council. He also served as a member of the Montgomery County Action Council Board of Directors.
Jon volunteered at the Independence Historical Museum, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross, and he was a familiar face ringing the Salvation Army bell during the Christmas season. In his spare time, he enjoyed attending ICC basketball games and Independence High School football Games.
Jon was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Rusty Risner. He is survived by his siblings: Jan Asleson and husband David of Independence; Jim Risner and wife Lori of Ashland, Maine; Joel Risner and wife Vaneetha of Raleigh, North Carolina; Jeff Risner and wife Brenda of Kansas City, Kansas; and Jay Risner and wife Stacey of Manhattan, Kansas.
Family will greet friends during visitation on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Webb & Rodrick Funeral Home and Crematory in Independence. Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m., Noon at the chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Crisis Team, with CFFI noted in the memo, and may be sent to PO Box 1485, Independence, KS 67301. To leave a special message for the family please visit www.webbrodrickchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
306 W. Main St., Independence, KS 67301

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreSponsored