John Richard Renken

John Renken passed away at his home in Lee’s Summit on Sunday, July 17, 2022. He grew up in the Westport area of Kansas City and graduated from Westport High School. John married Phyllis Dean Schindler in June 1951. They had been married for 70 years before Phyllis passed away last October. All three of his children, John Jr, Susan, and Karen, would graduate from Raytown High. They lived in the Raytown area for over 60 years before moving to Lee’s Summit. God, Country and Family were his three priorities. Enjoying life with family and friends was a given, and seldom did this couple go the road alone.

A lifetime member of the Methodist Church, John made several of them his home over the years. Epworth, Faith, First Raytown, and The Ridge were all places in which he served in a number of roles. He seemed to always find ways to share his talents and financial aid to benefit those institutions. Whether it was Methodist Men’s Club, MYF sponsorship, Administrative Boards, serving as the Scouting liaison, volunteering at Wilderness Camp or at UMCOR, he was a willing participant in many endeavors.

Scouting was a major part of John’s life. For decades, Monday evenings were spent at a troop meeting long after his son was no longer involved. Countless Committee Meetings, Roundtables, overnights, and outings were just a part of the regular routine. Annual fall recruiting was something that he particularly enjoyed. Over his 60 plus year tenure as a registered adult in the Raytown area, he would introduce Scouting to over 150 boys and their families. Besides supporting each Scout’s efforts to achieve their Eagle rank, he was a leading advocate for the religious awards programs to strengthen their spiritual growth. He was recognized for his service with the Award of Merit and received the Methodist God and Service Award. He was also a proud Tribal Council member in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say where he reached the responsibility of a Keeper of the Wampum. Proof of his efforts are also shown by those in his family who have accomplished their Eagle Award, a son; 3 grandsons; 2 great-grandsons, and a Cub Scout just beginning his journey.

Family and friends also held a special place in his heart, along with his wife Phyllis. Attending and supporting countless activities for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members were a priority. Warm weather trips to Lake of the Ozarks would seldom occur without other family members or friends going along. Boat rides and fishing were activities frequently enjoyed, happy hour was a must, and an occasional fish fry or charcoal grilling might also occur. Swimming and enjoying the outdoors were another summertime treat. For many years as “Winter Texans” the couple would trek to the Rio Grande Valley for several weeks as a reprieve from the frigid weather. Again, accompanied by family and friends, the time would be spent exploring the region. From South Padre Island west to Big Bend National Park, each spot capturing a special location to enjoy. It might be the seafood or drinks on the Island, the Weslaco Historical Museum, or the World Birding Center along the Rio Grande. Regular trips to the local orchards produced fresh fruit and juice and an occasional trip across the border to sample some authentic Mexican cuisine might also be on the agenda. For many years a family reunion would occur shipboard. Weeklong cruises to Caribbean destinations with the immediate family was a way for everyone to get together while enjoying a tropical setting. With grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he and Phyllis were delighted to share in their lives… enjoying each accomplishment and encouraging them along their way.

John was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis; sister Mary Sanderson; and parents Alberta and John S Renken. Survivors include a son John Jr. (Debbie) Raytown; Susan Leeper (Gary) Lees Summit; and Karen Abernathy (Bob) Lees Summit. Four grandchildren, Amanda Mandachit (Keith) Lincoln NE; Andrew Renken (Janay) Sunrise Beach; Nathan Leeper (Whitney) Overland Park KS and Josh Abernathy (Kara) Overland Park KS. Seven great-grandchildren, TJ Mandachit; Ty Mandachit; Tucker Renken: Lyla Renken; Kade Leeper; Harlow Leeper and Sienna Abernathy. He also leaves behind many beloved members of the extended family and close friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022, from 10:00 am–11:30 am at The Ridge UMC 5055 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64133. Funeral will begin at 11:30 am with burial immediately following at Floral Hills Cemetery, 7000 Blue Ridge Boulevard, Kansas City, MO, 64133. Mic-O-Say Memorial Service will be included. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Tribe of Mic-O-Say Memorial Fund, HOAC-BSA 10210 Holmes Rd KC MO 64131, or The Ridge Memorial Fund 5055 Blue Ridge Blvd KC MO 64133 in his memory.