John E. Kerry

John Kerry (80) of Belton, MO, passed to glory on November 16, 2025 after a brutal battle with Lewy Body Dementia. John was born on October 31, 1945 to Arzene and Louvenia (Martin) Kerry in Derry, Louisiana.

John is survived by his wife Sharon Kerry, his children Stacey Chastain (Dennis) of Lee's Summit, MO, Cathy Wansing (Mark) of Peculiar, MO, Laurie Riley (Mike) of Cleveland, MO, Chris Kerry (Rebecca) of Topeka, KS, a passel of grandkids that he took great pleasure in spoiling: Seth, Gracie, Rett, Isaac, Jacob, Adam, Levi, Rachel and a slew of in-laws, nieces and nephews that he cherished dearly.

He is predeceased by his parents, and his siblings Willie Mae Edwards, Effie Everett, Gilmore Kerry, Maggie McDaniels, Pete Kerry, Vennie House and Betty Nettles.

John worked from the age of 10 and never stopped. He had various jobs as he was growing up in Baton Rouge. John met and married Sharon (Brunworth) Kerry - who would become his bride of 60 years. John and Sharon eventually moved to Kansas City, but John would never lose his love of Louisiana. He raised his kids, and his grandkids as LSU fans and always made sure they were decked out in proper LSU gear - GEAUX TIGERS!

John took a job with American Bakeries in 1972 - which would launch his 50+ year career in the grocery business. John always had his eye out for someone that was in need of a job, and introduced quite a few people into the grocery business over the years. Even after his “retirement”, John continued to work. First for Guys Potato Chips, then as a small business owner, introducing Southern Pride BBQ smokers into the grocery store market. He served as an active member of the Allied Food Club for over 35 years, serving on the board for the majority of those years, and as President of the organization for over 10 years.

John loved the game of golf; but what he loved even more was having the opportunity to mingle and cause mischief while he coordinated charity golf tournaments. John never turned away an opportunity to raise money for a charity. Upon his induction into the MO Grocers Association Hall of Fame, it was calculated that he had been instrumental in raising over $4 million for over 300 different charities, with Harvester’s being the charity closest to his heart.

John will be remembered for his deep love of family, a giving heart, his quick wit, and his love of storytelling.

If you prefer giving a donation in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to :

HARVESTERS COMMUNITY FOOD NETWORK or LEWY BODY DEMENTIA RESEARCH

A Visitation and Memorial Service will be held at Rock Brook Church (1715 173rd St, Belton, MO) Friday, December 5, 2025 Visitation 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Memorial Service 5:30 p.m.