John was raised Catholic. He attended elementary school at Redemptorist school located at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Redemptorist Church; then graduating in 1976 from Lillis High School, Kansas City, Missouri. He then began what would turn into a 31 year career in the Automotive Repair Industry. He graduated from Longview Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology and was a Master Mechanic with ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). The last 15 years he worked with Thoroughbred Ford in Kansas City, Missouri, as a Front-end Technician. He retired in January 2007. After retiring he worked at helping with his grandsons making sure they were looked after while Mom and Dad went to work. John was proceeded in death by his parents, Robert T. and Patsy R. Banhart.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Lori Ann Banhart, his sons James R. and wife Kristen R. Banhart, Joseph A. and his wife Victoria L. Wahlman Banhart, his precious grandchildren of whom he revolved his whole life around, Caleb R. Banhart, Easton J. Banhart and Christopher LaSeur.
Also surviving him is his brother and sister-in-law Richard and Deborah Banhart and his Mother-in-law, Shirley L. Ragon who thought of and called John her son.
Graveside services and memorial will be planned at a later date due to the COVID-19 virus. Interment will be in Floral Hills Cemetery, 63rd and Blue Ridge Blvd.
The family suggests memorial contributions to the National Autism Society in Easton Banhart’s Name, St. Jude’s Hospital, in the Fight against Childhood Cancer, The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
The Banhart family would like to thank the Sarah Cannon Cancer Center at Menorah Medical Center, specifically, Dr. Joseph Stilwill and his Associates and most importantly, a Special thank you to our Vicky who gave up her time to stay with John so he could be with family, someone he knew and loved.
