John Edwin Lavendusky

John Edwin Lavendusky, age 86, passed away on June 14, 2026, in Overland Park, Kansas, leaving behind a legacy of Christian faith, service, love, and devotion to family.

John was born on January 17, 1940, in McAlester, Oklahoma, to Walter and Irene Lavendusky. He was raised in Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Henryetta High School in 1958. As a young man, John earned the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected the character and discipline that would define his life.

One of the most meaningful parts of John’s life began when he met Linda Carole Largent on a blind date. What began as a simple date at Coleman’s Burgers grew into a lifelong love story that spanned nearly 64 years of marriage. The couple became engaged in 1959 before John was deployed to Japan with the United States Air Force. During the three years they were apart, they remained committed to one another through written letters exchanged across the Pacific. Their bond endured the distance, and on June 19, 1962, they were married.

Linda was the love of John’s life. Their marriage was characterized by deep affection and genuine companionship, and they could often be found holding hands wherever they went. Their love for one another remained evident throughout their life together and served as a lasting example to their children, grandchildren, and all who knew them. John worked diligently throughout his life to provide for Linda and his family, considering that responsibility both an honor and a priority.

John joined the United States Air Force in 1958. He was stationed in Japan until 1962 and later served in Germany. During their years in Germany, John and Linda welcomed their daughters Debra and Wendy. John often spoke with pride about his military service and the important work he performed as a Staff Sargent while holding a high-level security clearance, monitoring and analyzing Russian communications during the Cold War. He served honorably until his discharge in 1966.

Following his military service, John pursued higher education with remarkable determination earning a Bachelor of Arts in History from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and a Master of Science in Economics from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.

John began his professional career with Phillips Petroleum Company in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he worked as a computer analyst for 22 years. While in Bartlesville, they welcomed their “surprise baby,” Amy. Later, he and Linda moved to Olathe, Kansas, where he continued his career in computer programming and consulting. Before retiring, John served as a project leader on TWA's historic Y2K transition project, helping ensure that computer systems successfully navigated the turn of the millennium.

One of his most proud accomplishments is having earned a fitness award for swimming more than 1,500 miles during his lunch breaks while working for Phillips Petroleum. He continued “doing laps” at the YMCA into his late 70s.

An extrovert by nature, John never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to strike up a conversation wherever he went. His warmth, big smile, friendliness, and genuine interest in others made people feel valued and welcome. He enjoyed sending encouraging cards to others, always including meaningful, handwritten notes inside. He possessed an infectious laugh and a sense of humor that created lasting memories.

John’s life was defined by his Christian faith. He loved the Lord deeply and sought to serve Him faithfully in every season of life. In his church in Bartlesville, he was honored when he and his son-in-law, Rick were ordained as deacons at the same time and enjoyed ministering to church members in this role together. Over the years, John taught fifth and sixth grade Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and participated in Easter and Christmas cantatas. He and Linda devoted countless hours to church youth camps and Vacation Bible School.

John’s family brought him immeasurable joy. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who delighted in the accomplishments, milestones, and everyday moments shared with those he loved. He treasured family gatherings, domino and card games around the table, vacations to Branson, playing miniature golf with the grandkids, and trips to Colorado and the Grand Canyon. His grandchildren fondly remember playing ball with “Pa” in the backyard, while his daughters cherish memories of watching him hold each new grandchild and great-grandchild in his arms with unmistakable pride and love.

Above all, John wanted others to know the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ. He often expressed his desire to be remembered as a man who loved God, loved his brothers and sisters in Christ, faithfully and generously supported the Lord’s work, and sought to be a positive witness and example to those around him.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Carole Lavendusky; daughters Debra Lee and husband Rick, Wendy Kennedy and husband Tom, and Amy Cain and husband Daniel; grandchildren Whitney “Dru” Hayes, Khelon Hayes and wife Julie, Hayden Cain and wife Rebekah, Ashton Hayes, Brady Lee and wife Sydney, Landon John Cain, Karson Lane Lee, and Spencer Lee and fiancée Rayann; and great-grandchildren Adley Cain, Eamon Hayes, Easton Cain, Walker Lee, Malone Hayes, Savannah Lee, and Killian John Hayes.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Irene Lavendusky, and his siblings.

Though his family grieves his passing, they rejoice in the assurance of his faith and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. John’s life was marked by service, integrity, generosity, steadfast faith, and an abiding love for his family. His influence and legacy will continue to be felt through the family he cherished, the churches he faithfully served, and the many lives he touched along the way.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 17th, with visitation at 1 pm and a Celebration of Life at 2 pm.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23