John Bonifacio Moreno Jr.

John Bonifacio Moreno Jr., age 77, of Independence, MO., passed away on November 21, 2024, peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 19, 1947, in Kansas City, MO to John and Dolores Moreno. He married the love of his life, JoAnn, on December 26, 1967, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Independence just before deploying to Vietnam. When John returned home, they settled in Independence, MO where they raised their 6 beautiful children.

John’s life forever changed when he met a beautiful young lady named JoAnn Wiederkehr on August 15, 1965, at a CYO dance at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. They would become high school sweethearts and go on to be married for 57 years in December. John was a combat veteran in Vietnam and served his country bravely and with honor. He was deployed from January 1968 to October 1968. He served as a Recon Sergeant on a 3-man Forward Observer Team which was attached to a Fourth Division Infantry Unit in the Central Highlands, and he fought in the TET offensive. He earned many accommodations: the Bronze Star with a V for Valor, The Purple Heart, The Army Commendation Award, The Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Ribbon, The Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon with 1968 Device, and the Sharpshooter Badge with Rifle Bar. He was a proud Union member, who was the first Mexican American to become an electrician for IBEW Local 124 in September 1969. In 1981, construction work was hard to find, so he started working at General Motors as an Electrician/WEMR at the old Leeds Plant. When Leeds closed their doors in 1986, he went to work at the Wentzville plant near St. Louis for a short time before he went back to construction. He was called back to the General Motors Fairfax Plant in 1994, where he worked until retiring in 2009. He then went on to continue working for IBEW Local 124, retiring in 2013.

Family was everything to John and he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren enjoying the life they created. He will always be our hero, our superman. John also coached basketball, baseball, and softball for over 50 years, including his children and grandchildren. He has also been a member of Boy Scout Troop 221 in Independence for over 40 years and loved his summers at H. Roe Bartle Scout Camp. His responsibility is a Sachem in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, an Honor Camping program. It is fitting that his tribal name is Sachem Never Ending Spirit. He was a member of the Order of The Arrow and received the Bronze Pelican and George Meany Awards. John was also a devoted Catholic who fought hard until the end and his faith never wavered. He was always an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, attending many games over the years with family and friends. He will be truly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents John and Dolores Moreno, sisters Josephine Moreno and Anna Beam. He is survived by his loving wife JoAnn Moreno, children Christina King (Kevin), John Bonifacio Moreno, Joseph “Bo” Moreno (Amy), Jennifer Leighton-Floyd (Ed), Mateo Moreno, Anna Ogilvie (Zac). Grandchildren: Christopher John Moreno, Jason King, LeeAnna Guy (Austin), Nathan King, Derek King, Mia Rose Moreno, Drake Leighton-Floyd, Olivia Ogilvie and 3 great-grandchildren Seraphina King, Malachi King and Ella King. His brothers Anthony Moreno (Dorothy), David Moreno (Joanna), sisters Margaret Hyde, Juanita Columbus (Ed), Mary Hauger, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be Wednesday December 4, 2024, from 5-8pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St. S Independence, MO 64055 with the Rosary at 5pm and Mic-O-Say ceremony following. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church on December 5, 2024, at 1pm. With cremation following service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org