John Park of Tonganoxie, Kansas, passed away on May 16th at his home, surrounded by his family. John was born on September 23rd, 1955 in Kansas City, the eldest son of Edward (Bud) and Betty Park. He graduated from Ruskin High School in 1973 and soon after began his career with the railroad, starting with the Rock Island and ending with the Union Pacific as a mechanical car inspector. He loved his job and his railroad brotherhood. He enjoyed and was well known for taking new employees under his wing and teaching them all he had learned over the years. John was strong and gentle, sweet and kind. He never met a stranger and did not have a judgmental bone in his body. He had many dear friends and there was nothing he wouldn't do to help someone in need. John was an avid collector of many things, but he especially loved collecting train and railroad memorabilia. He was also an avid Nascar fan, attending every Kansas race with his son Joe over the years. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jacine. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 31 years, Cathy (Souders) Park, his children Kattie Post (Kevin) and Joe Park (Brooke), his three beloved granddaughters, Chaela, Aria and Kloe, and his dog Spunky and granddog Stanley; both will be lost without him. He also leaves his brothers Gary Park (Sonia) and Jeff Park, his uncle Ira 'Sonny' (Joyce) Donnell, his aunt Sylvia Meek and many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was extremely touched by the outpouring of love and support from his railroad brothers and all his friends and family who were so caring and supportive during his illness. Your acts of kindness touched all of our hearts and are appreciated beyond measure. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in John's memory to the Good Shepherd Thrift Shop and Food Bank, 423 E 4th St, Tonganoxie, KS 66086 or Safe Harbor Prison Dogs, PO Box 536, Bonner Springs, KS 66012.
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