Jon Emmitt

Jon Emmitt, 56, passed away on April 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Emmitt of Derby, KS; children, Celia (Matt) Shook of Castle Rock, CO, Katie (Jason) Hoover of Derby, KS, Ryan (Monica) Emmitt of Wichita, KS, and Allie (Bryant) Klusener of Andover, KS; grandchildren, Sullivan and Julian (Celia), Cooper and Fletcher (Katie), Indy and Wesley (Ryan), and Jack and Kenna (Allie); brothers, James (Michelle) Emmitt of Augusta, KS and Jeff (Nicole) Krauss of Wichita, KS; brother-in-law, Richard Sedlacek of Beloit, KS; sister-in-law, LeAnn Sedlacek (Joe Speer) of Tulsa, OK; father-in-law, Larry Sedlacek of Concordia, KS; nieces and nephews, Emily Emmitt, Abby Emmitt, Jaime Emmitt, Brook Sedlacek, Reece Sedlacek, and Cole Sedlacek; Brothers in Phi Beta Sigma – “Blu-Phi” (YOU KNOW!); BNI Premier East family; Allstate colleagues; cherished friends; and beloved dogs, Georgie and Gracie.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ramona Krauss; stepfather, Chuck Krauss; and mother-in-law, Patricia Johnson.

Jon was born on February 24, 1970, in Wellington, Kansas, and grew up in Augusta, Kansas. He graduated from Wichita State University, where his sense of humor and gift for connecting with others were already evident, even taking the stage for stand-up comedy during his college years.

Jon began his career as a history teacher at Augusta Middle School, where he made a lasting impact on his students. He later transitioned into the insurance industry, eventually becoming a proud Allstate agency owner, where he continued to serve others with integrity, care, and dedication. Sports was a lifelong passion for Jon: he loved playing, watching, and coaching baseball, and he was a devoted lifelong fan of the Kansas City Royals. He coached Orioles baseball, announced football games for Augusta High School and Butler Community College, and even announced for the NBC World Series. In his later years, he also became an enthusiastic fan of Premier League soccer. More than anything, Jon loved his family.

Jon’s love for his grandchildren shone not only in his constant presence and his habit of never saying no (sorry, parents), but in his gift for creating core memories. He was a kid at heart, leading ‘Grampy tours’ in the pool, staging water-gun battles and tossing kids high in the air, hosting indoor ‘snowball’ fights, taking golf cart rides and Derby Donut runs, building Minecraft cities, and spending countless hours practicing football and tee-ball. He had a special nickname for each grandchild and a unique song for every one of them. Jon met each child exactly where they were, able to connect not only as a wise, heroic grandfather but also as a playful companion, always reminding them to be silly and to be themselves.

Jon was a devoted dad whose love was steady, patient, and unconditional. He was always a shoulder to lean on and the one his children could laugh with, cry with, and count on to truly listen. He was always there for them no matter what they needed. Whether as a father or stepfather, he loved each of them as his own, never making a distinction between them. He guided them with love, held them accountable, and never missed a chance to tell them how proud he was. He also showed them what it means to be a loving partner to their mom. His simple words, “I’ll take care of it,” brought comfort and made them feel safe, always.

Jon was the love of Lisa’s life and her best friend. Together, they shared a life full of meaningful adventures and quiet moments that meant everything. They grew together over the years, always striving to grow as a couple and as individuals, walking side by side through both joy and hardship. In life’s most difficult moments, they chose each other, meeting challenges with patience and understanding, and always finding their way back stronger and more connected. Jon and Lisa would have celebrated their 24^th wedding anniversary on April 26^th.

Jon will be remembered for his quick wit, his self-deprecating humor, frequently quoting movie lines, and his ability to make others laugh and feel at ease. But even more than that, he will be remembered for his deep kindness and generosity. Having grown up with very little, Jon made it a point to give freely and to treat everyone, no matter who they were, with dignity, respect, and compassion. He had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and worthy.

In December 2024, Jon was diagnosed with cancer. He faced his illness with strength, courage, and the same grace and heart that defined his life. Even through to the end, Jon was comforting those around him while saying that he was the one who had the easy part.

In October 2025, Jon and Lisa traveled to Sweden, where they spent time with Jon’s lifelong friend Reynolds, his wife Anne, their daughters, and Anne’s sister. That visit gave Jon the joy of sharing his childhood world with Lisa through their stories and memories, including many of his mischievous (and never entirely outgrown) younger days.

A Living Celebration of Life was held in Jon’s honor on November 22, 2025, in Derby, Kansas, where family and friends gathered to share love, laughter, and memories with Jon.

A future memorial will bring Jon’s family together at two of his happiest places: Arthur Bryant’s in Kansas City, where he loved the ribs, followed by a Kansas City Royals game, cheering on the team he loved, knowing that Jon will be there in spirit, in every shared meal, every story, and every cheer from the stands.

Jon’s legacy is one of love, generosity, humor, and unwavering kindness. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial has been established with the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Nu Sigma Chapter, 7522 E Plaza Ln, Wichita, KS 67206. Memorial donations may be made in Jon’s honor to support the fraternity’s initiatives that empower and promote minority-owned businesses.

Services are in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel.