Phyllis Foster John

Phyllis was born June 26, 1918 in Groton, CT, daughter of Fred and Marie (Singer) Foster. She was one of 13 children. There she met her future husband, Chester John, who was in the Naval Submarine School. At the young age of 18 Phyllis worked to save money to make her way to Hawaii by railroad and ship to marry Chester on December 7, 1938 in Honolulu, HI. They were living in the Pearl City Naval Housing during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. They purchased an old Navy ship and converted it into a charter fishing boat which later became the first chartered tours of Pearl Harbor. All three of their children were born in Hawaii, Margaret, Pat and Chester Jr. They returned to the mainland in 1950 and purchased a farm in Stanley, KS. Later Phyllis co-founded Adventure Line Manufacturing Co with her husband, doing government contracts.

She was a member of the 99’s, a group that Amelia Earhart began in the 1930’s. She enjoyed stunt flying. Phyllis loved to fish, especially in Alaska where she once caught a 210 pound halibut. She was also a very talented artist.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Chester John and all 12 siblings. Phyllis is survived by her daughters Margaret Butler, Pat McKinzie and son Chester John, Jr.; grandchildren Deborah Varner, Michael Butler, Kenneth Butler, R. Douglas McKinzie, Kathryn Waddle, Christopher John, Jeremy John and Stephen John; great-grandchildren Deanna Windsor, Steve Quick, Adam Quick, Joshua Varner, Luke Butler, Aubrie Heather, Kayla McKinzie, Paige McKinzie, KaDee Waddle, Scarlet John, Charlotte John, Callum John, Alby John, Delaney John and Jonas John; six great-great-grandchildren and extended family.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.