John David Kilgore, 77, of Independence, Missouri, passed away on July 22, 2026. He was born on January 3, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri.

John lived his whole life in the Kansas City area. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1967 and earned his associate’s in accounting at Penn Valley Community College.

John grew up attending Friendly Assembly of God and believed in God as his savior.

John proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, working in general administration. He spent much of his career working in accounting and worked at General Services Administration for 30 years, retiring in 2008 as an Accounting Technician. Before that, during tax season, John worked for H & R Block. He continued to do taxes for friends and family for many years. When his brother had a business, he was his accountant with attention to detail on all things.

Family meant everything to John. He kept in touch with all of his extended family members. He adored his nieces and nephews and delighted them by dressing as Santa Claus each Christmas when they were young. He rarely missed their birthdays, graduations, and other milestones, always showing up to celebrate the people he loved. John also treasured the friendships he built throughout his life. He shared a special bond with his neighbors, who became like family, and he believed that when someone became his friend, they were a friend for life.

He will be remembered for his loyalty, dependability, his sharp wit, and his unwavering commitment to those he cared about. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

John’s passing is preceded by his parents, John and Lela Kilgore, and his three beloved pups, Concha, Tiko, and Bear. His legacy lives on through his siblings, Donald E. Kilgore (Mary), Gary Kilgore (Jan), and Sherry Harms (Gary); his nieces and nephews, Angela Cooper, Misty Wayne, Misty Dixon, Ryan Kilgore, Justin Kilgore, Adam Kilgore, Sam Wright, and Kimberlynn Wilson, as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews. His Aunt Alice, Uncle Russell, Aunt Oleta, and his cousins, as well as his many dear friends and his beloved neighbors.

Family will greet guests on August 1, 2026, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, on 39th Street in Independence, during a visitation at 1 pm followed by a funeral service at 2 pm. On Monday, August 3, a graveside with military honors will be held at 11 am at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in John’s honor.