John Spies, beloved "Pops" to his family and retired aircraft administrative employee,
passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021 at the age of 84 while "aging in place" at his
home in Wichita, Kansas. For more than 22 years, he championed against prostate
cancer, and was being cared for by his daughters and Good Shepherd Hospice the last
several weeks.
John is survived by his two daughters, Rhonda Thomas and Stacey Titus; his two sons-
in-laws, Mike Thomas and Jason Titus; his older brother, Harold Spies of Yuba City,
CA; his older sister, Dorothy Balluch of Ellsworth, KS, his many nieces and nephews;
and his granddogs, Kermit and Gabby and grandcats, Abigail and Chloe. John is
preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Spies (Duncan) in 2013; his mom, Barbara Spies
(Graf) in 2003; and his dad, John Spies, Sr. in 1961.
John was born in Quinter, Kansas on August 30, 1936, during a record-breaking heat
wave. He graduated from Quinter High School in the Class of 1954 (Go Bulldogs!), he
attended both Fort Hays State and Kansas State Universities and ended up graduating
from Wichita State University with a BBA in 1966. On August 20, 1960, he married
Sherre, his Dearmore's dance partner, which lasted 53 years at the time of her death.
In 1968 and 1974 respectively, he became a devoted dad to two daughters, Rhonda
and Stacey.
During his working years, John proudly represented Cessna Aircraft, Boeing, Parker
Boss and Electromech Technologies, and was often recognized for his stellar work
ethic. Blessed with a mechanical mind, natural curiosity, and "bulldog" endurance
allowed John to fix just about anything put in front of him. He especially enjoyed
vehicles and was a member of the "Toolies" Hot Rod Car Club in his younger days.
With an infectious sense of humor, and a hearty laugh that could be heard across a
room, John made and kept friends easily, especially with co-workers, and he treasured
each of them like gold. Throughout the years, John enjoyed both singing and dancing.
From school-day choirs to the Boeing Stratosingers, from meeting the love of his life on
the dance floor to being a "dancer in demand" at the Wichita senior dances in the last
few years, music played a vital role in his life. Other favorites include: polka music, high
school reunions, Hallmark movies, and Saturday Night Live.
John (Pops) Spies was a gentle man of faith who loved his family and friends beyond
measure, and he will be greatly missed!
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the
faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.