Kane, John B. 1931-2025 Atchison, Kan.
ATCHISON, Kan. – John B. Kane Jr., 93, Atchison, Kansas, died Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Atchison Medicalodges surrounded by his loving family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church with Fr. Meinrad Miller, OSB, officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A prayer service will be held Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion New Building Fund or Medicalodges Activity Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.
John was born Aug. 8, 1931, in Atchison, the son of John B. Sr. and Florence (Byrne) Kane. He attended St. Patrick Elementary and Atchison County Community Schools. Due to unforeseen hardships John did not graduate high school, but through hard work and determination he earned his GED at the age of 40.
John served in the United States Army from Oct. 14, 1952, until his honorable discharge in October 1960, having attained the rank of CPL.
On Aug. 26, 1957, at St. Joseph’s Church, John would marry the love of his life, Beulah Fitzpatrick. They were married 66 years before Beulah preceded him in death on Jan. 27, 2024.
After serving in the Army, John went to work for Page Airways for 15 years. He then went on to work for Kansas Gas Service for 22 years, until his retirement. Following his time at Kansas Gas, he was employed with Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home, driving for services and assisting in any role that he could to serve others.
John was a 60+ year member of the American Legion Post No. 6, holding all offices except for Commander. In his time with the American Legion he presented over 350 American flags to families of deceased veterans. John was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #1175. He delivered Meals on Wheels for 10 years and drove patients for American Cancer Society “Road to Recovery” Program. John was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Westar Energy Retirees Club. John loved telling stories and typically had a good joke. He had a knack for being able to remember facts about people or help to fill in a family tree.
Survivors include three sons, Richard “Archie” (Betty) Kane, Atchison, Eddie (Cindy) Kane, Eudora, Kansas, Brian (Tracy) Kane, Atchison; a daughter, Rose (Tim) Trower, Atchison; a brother, Eugene Kane, Atchison; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; a great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Beulah; two brothers, Elvin “Skip” Kane, Donald “Bud” Kane; and five sisters, Lorene Clemens, Mary Lou Andre, Margie Swenson, Pat Rush and Doris Blankenship.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff and residents of Atchison Medicalodges for all their care and support for John during these last two years. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
