Aug 08, 1942---Mar 16, 2019

John E. French died March 16, 2019, in Olathe, KS.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. with a service following the visitation at 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at Grace United Methodist Church, 11485 S. Ridgeview Rd. Olathe, KS 66061.

 

John was born in Kansas City, KS, on August 8, 1942, to Loren L. & Vida T. French at Providence Hospital.  He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1960.  He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Emporia State University where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda. He received a Graduate Degree from the Wisconsin School of Banking.  He taught at Hillcrest Junior High School.  He started his career in Informational Technology with IBM in 1965.  In 1970 he worked with Vaughn Computer Systems, followed by working for Commercial National Bank KCK.  In 1975 he went to work for National Share Data Corporation in Dallas, TX.  He also held positions with NSD in Bridgeport, CT & Dallas, TX.  In 1982 he joined Allied Bank in Houston, TX.  In 1983 he started Bankline Mid-America in Overland Park, KS.  He grew this business to over 1200 employees and 12 offices throughout the US.  He sold the business in 1998.  In 1999 he purchased Computer Source, now Results Technology.  He worked up until the very last days before his illness prevented. 

 

He earned his Eagle Scout rank at age 13 and continued to earn two Order of the Arrow awards.  He was his son’s Webelo’s den leader, Nation Chief of Indian Guides, soccer/basketball/hockey/football coach and Sunday school teacher for his boy’s.  He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s school and sporting events.  Also, he enjoyed making several trips to Europe but made sure he was in Estates Park, CO for the month of July where he enjoyed family vacations.

   

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruth Meyer French, sons, Doug (Melinda) & Tim (Emily).  Grandchildren, Ali Sligar, Luke French & Lucy French.  Also surviving is his brother, Thomas R. (Gayle) French and nephews & nieces. 

 

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Center of Grace Boys & Girls Club 11485 S Ridgeview Rd Olathe, KS 66061 or Olathe Hospice House 15310 S. Marion Street, Olathe, KS  66061.

 



Condolences

Linda {Payne} Miller Mar 18, 2019

High School classmate ,Kansas City ,Kansas

I'm sorry to hear of John's passing. The last time I saw him was in 1982 when he came to see me after my husband had passed away. He was a good friend of my husband {Larry} and was also in our wedding, as was Larry in yours. God be with you and give you strength in your time ahead.

Sheila Roush Mar 19, 2019

Friend ,Shawnn ,Kansas

Thoughts and Prayers to you and your family in you time of sorrow!

Jeff Teter Mar 19, 2019

Friend ,Spring ,Texas

So sorry to hear of John's passing. I had the pleasure to work with him and learn from him in several situations. He was always the gentleman and willing to share knowledge with candor. He will be missed by many across a wide spectrum. Blessings to his family and friends who will miss him!

Harold Collins Mar 19, 2019

Friend ,Venice ,Florida

I grew up with John in Sunday School and youth group in KCK. We also painted houses during the summer while in high school. Keeping thoughts and prayers to family.

Ruth Hartman Monhollon Mar 21, 2019

Cousin ,Topeka ,Kansas

My thoughts and prayers are with you Ruth; and all of your family. I will always remember John as a true gentleman and class act. Keep your wonderful memories close to your heart. Love you dearly, Ruth and family 💞

First Baptist Church, 5th & Nebraska, KCK Mar 22, 2019

Friend, Benefactor ,Kansas City ,Kansas

To the Family of John E. French: We were saddened by the news of John’s passing. John was a longtime friend of our Senior Pastor and to Mr. Leon Lemons, of the Former Douglass Bank in Kansas City, KS, and will be remembered for his kindness and his generosity in donating computers and a few televisions over the years to our church that truly helped in our ministry to the community. We are praying for many joyous memories to surface as you celebrate the life lived by John. Death brings an emotionally and spiritually difficult time. We pray that you will let God be your source of strength and comfort. It is because of life’s uncertainties that God is the foundation of our faith. We know that the peace of God, which transcends beyond all understanding, will comfort your minds and mend your hearts. Although it is often impossible to see beyond your grief, may you look back with joy to good memories that comfort and help you today; may your heart and soul find peace and happiness; may the blessings of God be upon you; may peace always be within your soul; and may peace illuminate your heart in the coming days. Sorrowfully submitted but not as one without hope, The First Baptist Church Family Rev. Cedric L. Rowan, Senior Pastor

Dean J Foster Mar 22, 2019

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

My sincere condolences for you loss. I have fond memories of my times working for John. My prayers to the entire family.

Kevin White Mar 30, 2019

Business relationship ,Roeland Park ,Kansas

I'm so sorry to learn of John's passing. I work for Data Center, Inc in the Lenexa office. We shared a number of clients together. I always appreciated John's knowledge and care of the customer. My prayers are with you all during this time.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Grace United Methodist Church
Address:
11485 S. Ridgeview Rd.
City:
Olathe
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66061
Date:
Mar 23, 2019
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Service
Location:
Grace United Methodist Church
Address:
11485 S. Ridgeview Rd.
City:
Olathe
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66061
Date:
Mar 23, 2019
Time:
12:00 PM
Google Map: