John Perez Jr, 84, Lakin, Kansas was called home to meet his Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 28, 2024. He was born August 9, 1939 in Garden City, Kansas, the son of Juan and Jessie (Lopez) Perez.
John grew up in Lakin where he attended the Lakin schools and graduated from Lakin High School in 1959. After graduation he worked at Lakin Lumber and during this time fell in love with Oralia Briones. They were married on April 28, 1962 at St. Anthony Church in Lakin. Later that year John went to work for K-N Energy, and retired after 33 years. John and Ora had four children: Julie, James, Michael and Angela. John was a hard worker and good provider for his family so he often sought out side jobs to work like unloading cement, painting houses, and mowing. This extra income was often used to treat his family to a vacation. After his retirement, John filled in as a paraprofessional in the Early Childhood classroom. He loved the little kids and the young students loved him back. In 1996 John was offered a job with the City of Lakin, as a Parks Superintendent. He was very dedicated and proud of his work around the parks. For fifteen years he strived to improve the appearance of the parks by planting trees, manicuring the grass, and continuing to improve the landscape. After retiring from the city, he continued his work by participating with the PRIDE/ Lakin Community and Empowerment Group.
John was a devout member of St. Anthony Church. He served his church by being on the Parish Council, acting as Eucharist minister and co-taught CCD classes with Ora. John was also on the Building Committee of the Parish Hall. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #0795. John proudly served a 4 year term as USD 215 Board Member. When his boys were young, he enjoyed volunteering as a Cub Scout leader and Cubmaster. In 1997, the Perez’s recognized the need for quality childcare and opened a Childcare Center, a wonderful learning place for little ones. The name chosen for the center was a childhood moniker of John given to him by his younger brother Tony, “The Green Gorrilla”.
John’s hobbies included running, exercising, designing & painting barn quilts, taking his 1956 pink and white Crown Victoria to car shows. He especially enjoyed attending school events of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and some local students. One could often spot John and Ora on the fifty yard line or half court of a game. They traveled great distances to show their support at these sporting events.
John was known for his quick wit and friendliness. He was always lending a hand to someone. His contagious smile and sense of humor will be dearly missed. He taught his children to love fully live simply and enjoy life.
He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years Oralia and children, Julie Kaps (Del) of Garden City, James Perez of Katy, TX, Michael Perez (DaJon) of Denver CO, and Angela Perez-Sullivan (Isaac) of Wichita, KS; along with 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include his siblings: Pat Avila of Garden City; Delilah Vincent (Charles) of Rockaway Beach, MO, Lupe Longoria (Robert) of Lakin; Nelly Bribiesca of Baldwin Park, CA, Ruby Escalada (Jesse) of Wichita, KS, Richard Perez (Sally) of Kendall, and many nieces and nephews.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Jessie (Lopez) Perez, brothers, Valentine Perez and Anthony Perez, and sister, Teresa Perez.
Vigil Service & Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lakin, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, also at St. Anthony Catholic Church with Fr. Peter Tran as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. The family suggests memorials given to the Lakin Community & Empowerment Group or to St. Anthony Catholic Church, both in care of Garnand Funeral Home, P.O. Box 91, Lakin, Kansas 67860. Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.Read Less