John Houlihan Jr

John Houlihan, 76, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, November 24th, 2012. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday November 28th, at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 E 39th St. Independence. Rosary will be held at 7:30 at the chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 29th, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church; 3736 S. Lee’s Summit Rd. Independence. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
John was born April 5, 1936 in St. Louis, MO to Adelle and John Francis Houlihan Sr. He graduated from Rockhurst High School and Rockhurst College with a Bacchelor’s in business. John later married the love of his life Joyce Marie (Massengill). Her loss in 2007 was difficult for him. Together they raised two children. He worked as a buyer for many food service distributers including 22 years at Sysco of Kansas City; retiring in 2005. John enjoyed country music, dancing, traveling, going to Lone Oak Resort with his wife with their boat, watching war movies and sports like football and Royals baseball. He was his grandson, Jacob’s, number one sports fan. John never met a stranger and had a gift of making others feel special. His giving nature, laughter, tremendous faith and joy benefited everyone.
John is survived by his daughter, Christy Elliott and husband Jack of Blue Springs, MO; son, Dr. Gregory Houlihan and wife Helen of Great Falls, MT; grandson, Jacob Elliott of Blue Springs, MO; granddaughters, Molly and Kate Houlihan of Great Falls, MT; and sister, Teresa Roos of Kansas City, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Ann Marie. In lieu of flowers the family encourages donations to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers; PO Box 304 Maryknoll, NY 10545 or Wayside Waifs 3901 Martha Truman Rd. Kansas City, MO 64137.