John E. Born

John E. Born, 97, passed away early Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at his home in Lebo.

He was born November 26, 1926 at Newman Hospital in Emporia, Kansas the son of Edgar and Ellen McCandless Born.

Johnnie attended  Lebo High School where he graduated with the Class of 1944. He went on to attend Officer’s Training School in Fort Collins, Colorado.

He married Irma Fillmore September 10, 1950 at Irma’s family farm north of Lebo and they enjoyed 73 happy years together. They farmed and operated laundromats in Burlington, Lebo, and Osage City for over 30 years.  In Johnnie’s later years he became a beekeeper, collected and repaired clocks, and enjoyed shopping for antiques at flea markets, garage sales, and farm auctions.

Johnnie was a faithful member of the Lebo United Methodist Church and of Doc Hunter’s Sunday School Class. Many young people remember his thoughtful lessons presented during children’s time on Sunday mornings, and the genuine faith and love for God that he shared.

He was an active member of his community, serving through memberships in NFO, Lion’s Club, Gideons, Lincoln Township Board, and the Frog Creek Watershed Board.

Johnnie will live on in the hearts and memories of his loving wife, Irma of their home; a daughter, Amy Jarvis and husband John of Lebo; a son, John Edgar Born and his wife Linda of Lebo; five grandchildren, John Lee Jarvis of Lebo, Jacob Jarvis of Kansas City, Jamie Jarvis of Lawrence, Melinda Rausch and husband Brian of Lebo and Jonathan Born and wife Nicole of Lebo; five great-grandchildren, Daniel Rausch, Logan Rausch, Isaac Rausch, Rebekah Born and Kathryn Born, all of Lebo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and Edgar Born, and a brother, Wilbert D. Born, April 26, 2020.

Johnnie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

The family invites you to come visit, share memories and enjoy refreshments from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. Saturday, May 4, 2024 at the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home & Crematory in Lebo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lebo United Methodist Church or Gideons International and sent in care of the funeral home.