John grew up in Osawatomie and graduated from high school there in 1945. He then attended Pittsburg State College and received his Bachelors Degree in 1950 and his Masters in Educational Administration in 1953. He later attended Emporia State and received his Specialist Degree in School Administration.
John taught Business Education in Mound City, Kansas from 1951 to 1953 and was Superintendent of Schools there from 1953 to 1962. He was Superintendent of Schools in Herington, Kansas from 1962 to 1970, and Superintendent of Nevada R-V Schools from 1970 to 1989.
John was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Rotary Club. He was a member of the National Education Association and the Missouri State Teachers Association, and an active member of the Nevada Country Club. He was an avid sportsman, playing golf, hunting, and fishing his whole life.
He is survived by two sons, John Carmichael and wife, Christy, of Filer, ID, and Bob Carmichael and wife, Julie, of Lenexa, KS; one daughter, Susan Richardson and husband, Ron, of Cassville, MO; four grandchildren, Hannah Carmichael, and Ryan Carmichael, of Lenexa, KS, Luke Canfield and wife, Jenelle, of Chehalis, WA, Sam Canfield and wife, Michelle, of Centennial, CO; two step-grandchildren, Tara Richardson, of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Matt Richardson, of Springfield MO; four great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Bowers and husband, Roy, of Evans, West Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
John will be cremated, and his ashes interred in the York family plot in Osawatomie, KS. His memorial service will be announced at a later date by Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, MO.
Memorials are suggested in his memory to the Nevada R-5 Foundation c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
