John David Matney age 71, of Olathe, Kansas formerly of Osawatomie, Kansas entered into New Life Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Overland Park Regional Medical Center in Overland Park, Kansas.

He was born February 23, 1944 in Paola, Kansas the only child of Louis Albert and Geraldine (Ludwig) Matney. John grew up in Osawatomie and graduated from Osawatomie High School with the class of 1962. After graduating from high school he attended Pittsburg State Vo -Tech in Pittsburg, KS and received his certification in auto mechanics.

On November 20, 1966 he married Mary E. Bussell in Osborne, Kansas and they made their home in Paola, and became the parents of daughter Sara. When Sara was ready to enter school they moved to Osawatomie and John went to work for the Frisco Railroad which later became Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

In 1986 John and his family moved to Olathe where they still reside. John continued to work for the railroad as a laborer, truck driver and welders helper until retirement after 32 years of service in 2004. He was a member of Brotherhood of Maintenance Way. After he retired he worked as a delivery driver for Car Quest delivering car parts. For the last four years he worked as a school crossing guard at the Green Springs Elementary School in Olathe and was looking forward to returning there again this school year.

John was a fine Christian man who glorified God with his life. He has a gentle soul, was friendly and warm and never met a stranger but was known to have an ornery streak. He served as a greeter, deacon and member at large of the board at First Christian Church Olathe where he and Mary are members. He grew up in the Methodist Church and was a former member of First Christian Church in Osawatomie.

John enjoyed live production of Theater in the Park, New Dinner Theater, and Heartland Men’s Choir. He enjoyed the peace and tranquility of camping and fishing. He caught enough fish to have a “fish fry” for one of the “block parties” he help host. He loved old cars and entered his 1967 Pontiac Catalina in the car show at “Old Settlers” and was proud of the plaque he received for participating in the event. John took pride in mowing and tending to the maintenance of the yard at home and at First Christian Church of Olathe.

John’s best buddy is “Rocks a silver Schnauzer he received from a neighbor. One thing you need to know about “Rocks” is don’t sit in John’s spot on the sofa because it’s reserved just for John and “Rocks”

John was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Mary, daughter Sara and husband Marc Collins of Olathe, KS and two grandchildren Jorden Matney-McCorkle and Timothy Collins and of course his best buddy “Rocks” who is still on guard at home.

VISITATION: 1-2PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

SERVICE: 2PM WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING VISITATION

FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF OLATHE, KANSAS

200 E. Loula, Olathe, KS

CREMATION TO FOLLOW SERVICES

PRIVATE BURIAL AT A LATER DATE

MEMORIAL: TALL OAKS CONFERENCE CENTER

Memorials may be sent in care of:

Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home

P.O. Box 430

Osawatomie, KS 66064