John Meredith Atwell, 83, of Pleasant Hill, MO, departed this life, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Belton Regional Medical Center in Belton, MO. He was born December 12, 1942, in Independence, MO, to Guinn and Pauline Atwell. John grew up alongside his sister, Ginny Atwell, and graduated from school in El Dorado Springs, MO.
John married Shirley Walls on June 11, 1971, and together they raised three children: Debbie Callahan and her husband, Miller, of Harrisonville, MO; John Atwell Jr. and his wife, Miko, of Archie, MO; and Danny Atwell and his wife, Shelly, of Peculiar, MO. John later married Tammy Frock on October 15, 2011, and welcomed another daughter, Niki, into his family.
John was a proud grandfather of 12 grandchildren. They include Kyrie, Julianna, Bobby Jo, Ian, Kodee, Kole, Kaylee, Benjamin, Emma, Blayne, Connor and Abel.
John spent most of his working life as a truck driver. In his later years, he especially enjoyed working with adults with disabilities at Grand River Residential Services, LLC.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Guinn and Pauline Atwell; his sister, Ginny Atwell; his 1st wife of 35 years, Shirley Atwell; and his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Miller Callahan.
John will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Tammy; his children, grandchildren, extended family, friends and all who knew him. His dedication, hard work, and love for his family will live on in the lives of those he loved.
Cremation with a Celebration of Life Service scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
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