Johnny Monroe Essex

Johnny Monroe Essex, 75, of Independence, MO passed away Thursday February 22 at Research Medical Center in Kansas City MO following complications from a stroke two weeks earlier.   Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the 39^th Street Church of Christ, 15331 East 39th St S, Independence, MO 64055, with burial to follow in Floral Hills East Cemetery in Lees Summit, MO.  The family will greet friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Friday evening at the church.  Donations may be made in his name to the Ringgold County Group Home, 111 Ringgold St, Mt Ayr, IA 50854.  John was born October 20, 1948 in Kansas City, MO to Arlo G. Essex and Leona B. (McDaniel) Essex.  He was a loving husband, father and brother.  He was a Vietnam army veteran with service in Cam Ranh Bay.  John received his college degree in Industrial Engineering at MU, and later obtained a master degree of Project Management.  He retired from RMF Steel Products in April 2022.  Throughout the years he enjoyed playing and/or watching sports – tennis, deer/pheasant/quail hunting, golf, racquetball, football, baseball and MU basketball.  He enjoyed his granddaughters immensely.  John has been a member of the 39^th Street Church of Christ since his baptism into Christ in 1970.  He is preceded in death by his parents.  John’s remaining family members are his wife Glenys, sister Linda Essex, daughter Sara with her husband J and two daughters Kayleigh and Charleigh, sister-in-law Sharon Kennedy and her children and families. John enjoyed good times with family and friends. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)