John Tinoco, Sr., 94 of KCMO, passed away on March 5, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm and the Rosary prayed at 7:00 pm Monday, March 14 at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood KCMO. Mass of Christian Burial will be11:00 am Tuesday, March 15 at Sacred Heart Church, 2544 Madison. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Kansas City, KS. Condolences may be offered at www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com.
He was born on March 29, 1927 in Chenoa, IL to Gregorio and Josephina (Rocha) Tinoco and was the oldest of five children. Always a hard worker even in his teens, he started working at Pullman Co at age 16 to help his parents as much as possible. At 17 he informed his parents that he had enlisted in the Navy. Despite his mother’s concern, his father permitted him to follow his dream of being a sailor. While in the Navy, John served aboard the LSM #293, a transport ship that picked up and delivered troops and supplies in the South Pacific, Japan, and China. He was a gunner and loader, ascending to the rank of Seaman First Class. Their training involved preparation for the invasion of Japan. On the way to Okinawa on Sept. 2, 1945 the Japanese surrendered. For his service, John earned the Asiatic Pacific Metal, Victory Metal, Japanese Occupation Metal, and the Good Conduct Metal.
After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to Kansas City. During his service from July 22, 1944 to March 26, 1946, John continued to send financial aid to his parents. When he returned from his service, he helped his parents purchase their home with the money his mother saved for him. After a few days home, John proposed to his love, Guadalupe Mendez. Their love was true and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death. They loved their five children-Emily, Carolyn, Sally, Mary Jane, and John, Jr. He supported his family during his employment at Santa Fe (KC Terminal), Kansas City Club and other hotels as a waiter, and retiring from Whitco Oil at 62 years old. He was a hard worker and a great provider for his family. After retirement, John traveled with his family and helped people with his volunteer work with Azteca Lions Club, American Legion, People Helping People Organization, Bishop Hogan Council, Salvation Army, Amigos de Las Americas, and Sacred Heart Parish and Hall. John also participated in an Honor Flight in 2009.
In addition to his parents and his wife, John was preceded in death by three daughters, Emily Tinoco, Sally Pena and Mary Jane Ramirez; son-in-law Vincent Ramirez; grandsons Henry Delgado and Alex Pena; brothers Gabriel Tinoco, Albert Tinoco; sister-in-law Angelina Tinoco; sister, Carmen Soltero and brother-in-law Robert Soltero.
John is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Delgado; son John “Jay” Tinoco; brother, Joe Tinoco; sisters-in-law Paula Tinoco and Marina Tinoco; nine grandchildren, Rachelle Delgado Armenta, John Vincent Ramirez (Kristi), Melissa Mendez-Marron (Juan), Jason Ramirez, Angelina Tinoco, Amanda Pena (Dana), Justin Ramirez (Jenna), Regina Lawson and Lauren Tinoco; 20 great grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren, and very special connections to all his fur babies including Rocko who would sleep next to him every night. John Sr. will be missed by all his loved ones.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17