John Henry Cantrall

John Henry Cantrall (Red), 90, of Lenexa, KS, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on September 27, 2023. John was born on December 18, 1932, in Kansas City, MO, to Harry and Ruth Cantrall. He attended Rosedale Jr-Sr High School before he was drafted by the US Army in 1953, alongside his brother Harry. He served as an MP from 1953-1955 before being honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal (E4). During his time of service, he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, ROK-Presidential Unit Commendation, and Good Conduct Medal. In 1956, he married Judith Phipps. Together, they had four children, Deborah, Jeanette, John, and Denise.

In 1969, they purchased their farmhouse in Paola, KS. John and Judy raised the children and took care of a wide array of animals on their farm throughout the next 48 years. John took pride in their farm, completing several room additions and a barn with his own two hands, as well as land maintenance and tree felling. He also enjoyed woodcrafting toys for his grandchildren.

He worked as a truck driver and retired from Anderson Windows in 1993. After retirement, John and Judy often traveled in their RV across the United States and took several cruises. He enjoyed getting a laugh and was always joking around.

John was a longstanding member of the Korean War Veterans Association since 2001 and was involved in many community events in the Kansas City area.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Judith Cantrall; his parents, Harry and Ruth; brother, Harry; and great grandson, Kyle Dunivan.

He is survived by daughter, Deborah (Mark) Fowler of Kansas City, MO; daughter, Jeanette Eaker of Lenexa, KS; son, John (Jacque) Cantrall, of Bertrand, NE; and daughter, Denise (Dave) Mulhall, of Olathe, KS; 17 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, 1 great-great-great grandchild; and his sister, Ruthann Good of Montclair, CA.

John will be missed greatly, as his impact will be felt for generations to come.

A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM, service 2 PM, on Saturday, September 30 at Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64133. A burial will follow at Floral Hills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to Wounded Warrior Project or Parkinson’s Foundation.