John Robert McGarry, 84, of St. Joseph, Missouri passed away on Thursday, December 19th, 2024. John was born to Mary Elizabeth (Libel) and George McGarry Sr. on March 24th, 1940 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
John worked as a member of the St. Joseph, MO city street crew before he applied to the St. Joseph, MO fire department in 1962. His dedication, work ethic, loyalty, and kind demeanor were great assets as he worked his way up through theranks until he became the fire chief in 1988. John served as the SJFD chief until his retirement in 1998.
John was a hard worker and was a skilled handyman. He loved spending time in his workshop. His love of woodworking and his many handyman skills served him well during the time he and Connie worked side-by-side to flip eight houses.
As a child John adored his grandfather and loved spending time on his grandparents' farm. His love of gardening and the country continued through adulthood. He enjoyed gardening; specifically tending to the lily and iris gardens at his home. For many years the meticulously groomed flower gardens, maintained with his wife, drew busloads of spectators wishing to tour the beautiful gardens.
John and Connie were also very active in Trails West for seven years, serving as co-chairpersons for two of those years.
John was a man of few words, but more of a quiet observer. When he decided to share his thoughts he always spoke in a calm and gentle tone.
Through all of his many health challenges he never complained. When asked how he was feeling he would say, "Well, I was able to get up and take nourishment today."
John was a very positive role model to all who knew him. He was a blessing to his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all.
John was preceded in the death by his parents; sister Sr. Georgia McGarry; sons: Lonnie Lisenbee and Rich Lisenbee; daughter: Tammy Santos; and Granddaughter: Tamiki Santos-Olsen. Survivors include: beloved Wife of 48 years, Connie of the home; Sister, Mary (John)McGarry Melon; Daughter-in-law, Margo Lisenbee; Son-in-law, Ray Santos; Granddaughters: Tyiese Santos, Whitney (Andrew) Ewart and Michaela (Shelby) Poff; Grandsons: Tyiler (Rachel) Lisenbee, Aaron (Krystal) Lisenbee; Great-granddaughters: Dystiny (Khristopher) Rowland, Noelani Olsen, Ember Ewart, Aurora Ewart, Temperance Ewart, Amelia Poff, Cora Poff, Phoebe Poff, Addilynne Lisenbee; Great-grandsons: Daelan Santos-Hunter, Noah Olsen, Jackson Sauvage, Hudson Lisenbee, Duncan Lisenbee, and Davis Lisenbee; Great-great-granddaughters: Kamiah Rowland and Kalani Rowland; and Great-great-grandson: Maui Rowland. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Mosaic Hospice for the extraordinary care John received over the past few weeks. A special thank you to Heidi, Missy, Jason, and Ashley.
Services for John McGarry are set for Friday, December 27th, 2024 at the Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel at 3609 Frederick Blvd. St Joseph, Missouri. The family will receive friends with the visitation starting at 11:30AM - 1:00PM followed by a rosary service. The funeral service will start after the completion of the rosary, officiated by Dave Mejia. The funeral service will also include the Firefighter's honors. Interment will take place at the Bethel Cemetery in DeKalb, Missouri.
