John Leroy Wick

He grew up on a farm in Dickinson County, Kansas. At a very early age, John spent a lot of his time reading books at his Grandpa Wick’s, who had a farm nearby. John also spent time fishing with his other Grandpa Markley, who lived in Abilene.

John attended a one room schoolhouse for his primary schooling, then transferred to Chapman High School in Chapman, Kansas. While still in school at 17 years of age, he drove a school bus to pick up kids from the neighboring farms.

He enlisted in the Army, and Base Camp was in Leonard Wood, Missouri. He shipped out to Europe where he met his wife Ellen in Germany. John passed away 3 months short of their 60th wedding anniversary.

After getting stationed back in the USA, their only son Christopher was born in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. John served in Vietnam, and after that the family moved again to Germany, Kansas, Alaska, and finally Colorado.

He retired at Fort Carson in 1984 and since then made their home in Security, Colorado. John was an excellent carpenter and machinist. After building his garage, he remodeled every room in the house. Everything had to be perfect. There was no “good enough” work in his vocabulary. He was a fun person, always ready to help others. Kids and animals were instantly drawn to him.

John was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Etha. He is survived by his wife Ellen, 2 sisters Martha and Jo Susan, a brother Robert and their families, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces in Germany, many cousins, and one aunt. He is also survived by his son Christopher and his wife Tammie, granddaughter Jody and her husband Josh, grandson Brandon and his wife Nicole, six great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Advanced Home Heath and Hospice. Funeral arrangements provided by Dove Witt of Fountain, Colorado on July 27, 2026, at 10am at Pikes Peak National Cemetery. John will receive full military honors.