John Howard Elliott

John Howard Elliott, 85, passed away in Independence, Missouri on November 27th, 2021. John was born in Lawrence, Kansas on November 8, 1936, the eldest of three children, to Russell Howard Elliott and Dorothy Elizabeth McClain.

John grew up in Kansas and Oklahoma. He and his family moved around a lot as his father worked as a butcher for Safeway. However when John started high school in Alva, OK, his family stayed put till John graduated from Alva High School. John then went on to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University. After graduation he taught American History and Art in Junction City, Kansas and in Butler, MO. He joined the Missouri National Guard as a reservist, a reserve police officer. During this time he also owned and operated a health food store.

When he decided to move to Kansas City, Missouri area he continued his schooling in criminology at KU and went to work for Commerce Bank in Kansas City, MO, as a bank security guard. Around this time is when he met Barbara Ihde. God was working in both of their lives, as John was searching for a church to call home and had not found what he was searching for. Through Barbara, God introduced John to the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Community of Christ). John and Barbara were married on April 19, 1985. He continued working in the security field with several security companies. He also worked for Hobby Lobby and Big Lots. He retired from Big Lots when he turned 65. He then became an ordained Aaronic Priest. John enjoyed going with other priests on retreats and helping with the Vacation Bible School. He also enjoyed volunteering on voting days with the Jackson County Board of Election Commissioners.

John is the last member of his family, as he was proceeded in death by both his parents and both of his younger sisters, Nancy Story and Ruthann Dies. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Barbara Lee Inde Elliott and brother in law, William John Inde.

In lieu of lowers, anyone wishing to, may donate in his memory to: Saint Luke’s Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, 4400 Broadway Street, #520, Kansas City, MO. 64111, Tel. Number 816-960-7600.

A memorial service is in the planning stages but no date has been set.