John Gordon Havens

John Gordon Havens, 81, of Olathe, KS passed away at home on Sunday, May 13th, 2012. He will forever be remembered as a devoted husband, loving Pa and friend to everyone he met. John was born on April 6th, 1931 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Harry Leroy and Mable Isabelle (Martin) Havens. He served his country honorably during the Korean war in the United States Navy where he was awarded his Naval Sonar Diploma by President Harry S Truman. John was a member of VFW Post #2993 Olathe, KS. One of his outstanding achievements in life was being a friend of Bill. W for over 28 years.

John started his career as a Union Cement Mason in Battle Creek, Michigan. He went on to work with the National Sanitation Foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan testing water sewage treatment systems at plants. He moved into sales and and marketing at LyCo Co. in Willamsport, PA for two years. He moved his family to Olathe, KS in 1971 to work with Smith and Loveless in Lenexa KS. In the early 1990's he began working with hospital waste management in Cedar Rapids, Iowa building and managing a medical waste treatment plant. He retired in 1995.

John was an avid golfer and sportsman traveling to golfing tournaments with friends and fishing & hunting trips with his wife of 58 years. He loved watching sports and "yelling" at the umpires and referee's on TV as he had been a ref and umpire in his younger years ! He reached out to many through the Friends of Bill W. program, and had a strong relationship with his Lord and Savior. He was dedicated to his family and was extremely proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Mable Havens. His survivors include his wife of 58 years Helen R. (Taylor) Havens, His daughter Linda West and her husband Roger West and their two children, Derek and Jennifer of Shelbyville, IL; his son John H. Havens and his wife Judy Havens and their three daughters Jessica, Jill and Jana of Wamego, KS. And his daughter Julie Heese and her husband Chris Heese and their children Andria, Brianna and Nathan of Columbia, MO. John also had two great grand children, Reece and Bryce West. John leaves behind his sister Mary VanSipe and Judy Davis of Titusville FL. and his brother, Dewey Havens of San Diego, CA as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday May 17th, 2012 at the McGilley & Frye Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors in Olathe Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-&:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions can be made to: 711 Club -PO Box 4484 -Olathe, KS 66063

or to The First Tee of Greater Kansas City - 7501 Blue River Rd.- Kansas City, MO 64132 - 913.648.7177

Condolences may be offered at www.McGilley-Frye.com