John Mackey O’Bannon of Butler, Missouri, was born to Joe and Bernice (Burgard) O’Bannon of Creighton, Missouri, on April 18, 1939, the youngest of three children. He departed this life Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at his home at the age of 72.
On April 1, 1972, John was united in marriage to Janet Finch in Naperville, Illinois.
John earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Central Missouri State College and later earned his law degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He served in the Navy, worked for the Department of Conservation in Hermann, Missouri, taught science and served as a school principal in New Bloomfield, Missouri, and advised students at Central Missouri State College, before embarking on a career in law. John worked in private practice, as a prosecutor, and finally, as a judge.
John had a dry humor, quick wit and a way with words exclusive to him. He had a passion for guns, and he enjoyed shooting competitively with his friends in Missouri and Kansas throughout the year, and in New Mexico in the summer. John loved his family with all of his heart and always put them first.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jay, his sister, Georgia, and his wife, Janet.
He is survived by his two daughters, Janelle O’Bannon, of Butler, and Julianne O’Bannon Germinder, and husband Richard of Columbia, Missouri. John is also survived by two nephews and one niece, other relatives, and friends.
John was irreplaceable and will be sorely missed, but as John would say, “Sometimes these things happen.”
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 8, 2012 at the Butler Presbyterian Church, Butler, Missouri.
Family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., Sunday, April 8, 2012 at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri
