John W. Marlett Jr., 73, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 27, 2022, surrounded by family at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was a master machinist at Midwest Industries. He also was a master gunsmith, and in his younger years, he worked at his father’s A&W Restaurants in Hays, McPherson and Russell, Kansas. John served in the United States Army Reserve.
He was born on March 16, 1949, in Larned, KS, the son of John William Marlett, Sr. and Betty Janiel (Brack) Marlett. He graduated from Hays High School and attended Salina Vo-Tech. On June 7, 1968, John was united in marriage to Joyce A. “Jo” Shearhart in Hays, KS.
John was a life member of the National Rifle Association.
Survivors include: his loving wife of nearly 54 years, Jo of the home; sons, John Marlett, III (Nicole) of McPherson, KS, Michael Marlett of Council Bluffs, IA, Matthew Marlett of McPherson, KS, Mark Marlett (Corry) of Inman, KS, and Andy Krehbiel (Amber) of McPherson, KS; siblings, Linda Meier of Omaha, NE, Connie Staab (Ken) of Hays, KS, Doug Marlett (Dawn) of Hays, KS, and Mike Marlett (Bev) of Tualatin, OR; nine grandchildren, Megan Marlett, Dakota Marlett (Samantha), Austin Marlett, Taylor Strange, Tyler Strange, Jordan Bena, Olivia Krehbiel, Logan Krehbiel, and Ellie Krehbiel; three great-grandchildren, Everly Strange, Sienna Marlett, and Alexander Marlett; In-laws, Karen Coy of McPherson, KS, Sharon Shearhart of Wichita, KS, and Jerry Shearhart (Paula) of McPherson, KS; and many more extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Wayne and Frances Shearhart; and brothers-in-law, Art Meier and Bob Coy.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, June 3, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Lynn Scott officiating. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at McPherson Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.