John D. Cragg, Sr., age 69, passed away peacefully at home in Paola, Kansas on Monday, November 9, 2015. John was born on June 10, 1946 in Paola, Kansas to Elford and Mary (Clements) Cragg.

John grew up in Osawatomie, Kansas and graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1964. John married the love of his life Katherine Burgoon of Paola on April 26, 1968. In 1969 John began working at the Miami County Sheriff’s office. This job was a great fit as it allowed him to help people. John’s career path led all the way to Chief of Police of Osawatomie. While being Chief, he also took on the management of the local ambulance service. When Miami County centralized the ambulance service John used the skills he learned on the ambulance to do Paramedical Health Exams for insurance companies. John completed nearly 7,500 paramedical exams in just 25 years. There is a good chance if you’re local that you have had John in your home asking some pretty personal health questions and drawing your blood. He was excellent at making people feel comfortable and relaxed just before that smooth venipuncture.

John was very strong willed and held people to a high standard. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. He also wasn’t afraid to show you how much he cared about you.

John had a passion for classic automobiles. His first project was restoring a 1955 Chevy Bel Air. It was a project with his son and they turned that car into a classic 1955 Police Car. They had a wonderful time taking the car to local car shows. A highlight was a large trophy it earned at World of Wheels in Kansas City. John was part of a car club and had a great time traveling and sharing his love of classic cars.

John loved watching his daughter play sports in Junior High and High School. He never missed a game. The weekend away tournaments led to some fun adventures and good times. You can tell you did a pretty good job at being a parent if your kid goes off to college and returns home most weekends to spend time with her family. John also had a great time coming to visit ESU even if the steak at the Western Sizzler didn’t quite compare to his creations on that weber grill.

The good times with family trips to Branson, Big Cedar Lodge, and Eureka Springs were among his favorite vacations. He was even a good sport and traveled to the local wineries with his kids if they asked. His varietal leaned more towards a cold Busch beer so he would kindly pass up on a free wine tasting. His daughter returned the good sport favor and took him on a tour of the Busch plant in St. Louis.

While raising their family they lived in town. As empty nesters they headed for the country. He found a property that had a 30 x 40 detached man cave garage. It also came with a wonderful home and a nice pond and 10 acres. That quiet country life just 10 miles south of town was perfect. John and Kathie made some wonderful memories and created a home that drew those kids back to the nest often. Clearly FAMILY was a top priority for John Cragg, Sr. To say John was proud of his family is an understatement. The memories created over the years are the bright light that is helping us all.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Eugene.

He is survived by his wife Kathie of the home; son John Cragg, Jr. (Kim) of Spring Hill, Kansas; daughter Andria Boedicker (Brian) of Overland Park, Kansas; grandsons Shane and Dillon Cragg; sisters Carol Weaver (John) of Topeka, Kansas and Mary Reiter of Overland Park, Kansas; and brother Philip Cragg (Joy) of Bucyrus, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at the American Legion on Saturday, November 21st from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. The address is 5 Delaware Street, Paola, KS 66071. Light refreshments will be served, but feel free to bring a dish or dessert. The family would love to hear stories and reminisce about John.

John had many animals throughout his life. His deep compassion for animals led to volunteering at a local Humane Society so in lieu of flowers please consider a Memorial contribution to Heart of America Humane Society, Attn: Donations, P.O. Box 12703, Overland Park, KS 66282.

John was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. We love you today, tomorrow and always.