John Richard Nesbit, a faithful and generous soul, passed away on October 8, 2025, at the age of 64. Born on January 4, 1961, in Lawrence, Kansas, to parents William Earl Nesbit and Enid Reed Nesbit, John was a resident of Olathe, Kansas most of his adult life.
John attended public school in Lawrence, Tonganoxie, Independence, and Olathe, Kansas, and proudly graduated with a GED (attained with the benefit of excellent tutoring from his maternal grandfather, Paul Reed). John cherished his grandparents Margaret Elina Stotts Nesbit (“Granny Dutch”), Paul Lamont Reed (“Grandpa”), and Clara Dell McCray Reed (‘Nano”). John likewise cherished his mother, Enid, and was proud of her long career as an excellent RN. John’s father, Bill, taught him to fish and enjoy nature, and John had fond memories of family vacations to national parks. John was a man of Christian faith, and followed the 12 Step philosophy all of his adult life. He was outgoing, accepting, humorous, and honest, and made friends wherever he was. He gave countless hours of volunteer work to charities, and valued his participation in support groups. He was a caring person who particularly noticed and supported the marginalized in our society.
John was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents, and by his steadfast friend Andrew Stoecklein. John is survived by his sister, Diana Nesbit of Olathe, his Aunt Rosalind Jorn, his Uncle and Aunt John and Carolyn Reed, and his cousins Jana, Kirk, Chris, and Matt Jorn; Dusty Hudson; and Cindy Reed, Lisa Miller, and Paul Reed.
John found loving support among the residents and staff at, first, Merriam Gardens Nursing Home, followed by Meadowbrook South Nursing Home and PrairieWind Hospice. He dedicated himself to the daily activities in the nursing homes, and helped inspire other residents to participate. He generally flourished in the social settings offered in the last chapter of his life. The family thanks his caregivers at Meadowbrook South and PrairieWind for their compassionate care of John.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 1:30 pm in the Olathe Memorial Cemetery, located at 738 N Chestnut St, Olathe, Kansas.
