John Heath

John Delos Heath, 88, a lifelong resident of Kiowa, Kansas, passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023, at his home. He was born December 21, 1934, in Alva, Oklahoma to Harvey Dea and Eleanor Jean (Edwards) Heath.

John graduated from Kiowa High School in 1953 and participated in 4-H and FFA. He went to the Missouri Auction School in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating in December 1955. John was known as Colonel John at area auctions. John entered the U.S. Army, served in Germany and was discharged in 1963.

He was employed by the Kiowa Sale Barn as stockyard foreman, also by Jim Summer, and the Kiowa Township Road Maintenance. Over the years John helped his dad on the family farm and then maintained the Heath farm until his death. He had raised cattle, sheep, and was a dog lover. John and the family formed the Shamrock 4-H Club, and he was the livestock project leader.

John enjoyed trail riding with several groups. He was a member of the local Saddle Club, Pawhuska and Oklahoma Sooner Saddlers Saddle Club and attended many rodeos. John always took pleasure in family gatherings and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

He attended the Kiowa United Methodist Church and the First Christian Church.

John is survived by his sons, Scott Heath of Kiowa and Jason (Jaci) Heath of Alva, Oklahoma; sisters, Deanna Roudybush of Topeka, Kansas and Heather (Meredith) Williams of Joplin, Missouri; grandchildren, Morgan, Paisley and Laramie Heath of Alva, Oklahoma.

 He is preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Hazelton, Kansas with arrangements by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa. Viewing will be Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at Lanman Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m., with family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. www.lanmanfuneralhome.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

 Memorials may be made to the Kiowa Senior Center through the funeral home.