John Philip Sousa Stinson, Sr.

John Philip Sousa Stinson Sr. was born February 16, 1932, and went to heaven on October 23, 2022, at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 7 days. He was the fifth of six children of Dale B. and Anna Stinson of Emporia, Kansas. His name reflected the love his parents held for good military march music, as his father and brother were involved in military bands. John shared that love of patriotism and fine music throughout his life. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Emporia, and then met and married the great love of his life, Beverly Lee (Harrison) Stinson, to whom he was married for 67 years at the time of her death in 2020. John was a veteran of the United States Army. Upon his return from Germany, he attended Kansas State University, and began working as a carpenter and cabinet maker. He never met a piece of wood he could not whip into something beautiful. If he ever made any piece of furniture for you, it would take you and ten of your friends to lift it; he could not possibly create something that was not perfect in every way. He was a business owner, and was well known for his attention to detail, quality, and integrity. John was the father of Denise, Stephanie, and John Jr. He was the grandpa of Matthew, Amanda, Tracy, Daniel, Brian, and Julie. He was the great grandpa of Bennett, Elliott, Alycen, Katelyn, Landon, Layla, Mason, Meili, Max, Evalynne, Owen, and RaeLynn, all of whom knew him as RowRow, a special name given to him by Alycen because he tenderly sang Row Row Row Your Boat to her. He sang to each baby great grandchild and treasured each of them. He welcomed and loved “the outlaws,” as we called everyone fortunate enough to marry into the family. He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 1 sister, and his beloved wife Beverly. He is survived by all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, as well as his sister, Judy and sister in law, Melva. He is lovingly remembered by his church family from NorthWest Christian Church in Wichita, friends, neighbors, nieces and nephews. At John’s request, there will be no memorial service. He treasured relationships in life, and wanted those memories to remain held by each individual. Memorial contributions may be sent to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and NorthWest Christian Church. Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.