John F. Jack Jonas

Jonas, John F. (Jack), 82, of Wichita passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2014. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, twin son of John and Margaret Jonas moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1939. He was a graduate of Cathedral High School in 1949. He received his bachelors degree in zoology and education in 1954 from Wichita State University. After graduation he attended the Conception Seminary in northwest Missouri for a semester. He served two years in the United States Air Force and was discharged in 1956 with the rank Captain. He returned to Wichita State University where he received a masters degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology in 1967. Jack was married to Mary Eileen Murphy from June 1954 to the time of her death in August 1989. The death of his wife inspired Jack to start the Midwest Cancer Foundation. Jack spent his entire professional life dedicated to helping the disabled. He served as the Executive Director of United Cerebral Palsy of Kansas before founding Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas in 1972, where he held the position of President before retiring in 2000. Jack also founded Jaycee Cerebral Palsy Ranch serving children and adults. Recognizing the need for independent living for those who are disabled, Jack founded The Timbers, which thrives today. Continuing to work tirelessly for the disabled, he founded Center Industries Corporation in 1975, providing dignified employment opportunities for the disabled. He served as the CEO of Center Industries until his retirement in 2000. In 1985, Jack founded The National Rehabilitation Engineering Institute of Productivity and served as the President until 2000. With the exception of his family Jacks passion for the disabled was unmatched. He is survived by Beverly, his wife of 23 years; his twin brother, Jerry (Sally); his sons, Joseph, Patrick (Pam), Paul (Julie) and Peter (Shelley); his step children, Jennifer Farha and Chad Rasmussen; 19 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Eileen; son John Lyman; mother, Margaret Staudacher; father, John Jonas. Rosary is 2:00 P.M., Sunday, February 2, 2014; Celebration of Life Mass is 10:30 A.M., Monday, February 3, 2014; both at Church of the Magdalen. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation, 5111 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67208. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.