John R. Fuentez Sr., USAF

April 08, 1929 – September 08, 2017

John R. Fuentez Sr., 88, Kansas City, KS, passed away September 8, 2017.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at Chapel Hill-Butler Funeral Home, 701 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1086 N. 94th St., Kansas City, KS.

Interment will immediately follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

John grew up in the old Armourdale district in KCK. He graduated from St. Thomas grade school and De LaSalle High school in 1947. Upon graduation he entered the Air Force. John was a medical technician in the Air Force from 1948-1952. In Korea, he volunteered for 25 combat missions, but completed 65 for the 3rd Air Rescue Squadron. He received a Silver Star for his heroics in the first recorded helicopter rescue from behind enemy lines. He also received a Purple Heart with clusters and an Air Medal during his service.

After leaving the military John secured a job with the Santa Fe Railroad where he worked for 35 years until his retirement.

From 1964 thru 1968, he and his wife Alice also owned and operated Johnnies Market on 42nd and Troost.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alice; his parents, Joseph and Sara; sisters, Helen and Carmen; and brothers, Michael and Joseph. Survivors include his children, John Michael (Jenny Cangelose) Fuentez, Alice Marie (Ronnie) Talley, Linda Carol James (Michael Ledman) and Joseph Fuentez; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.