John C. Middlemass

John Charles Middlemass, age 90, passed away on June 16, 2014. John was born to Will and Verna Belle Middlemass on May 18, 1924 in Paola, Kansas. He graduated in 1942 from Paola High School. John served in the US Navy as Yeoman 1st Class and was on the USS Wilhoite DE-397 during World War II. On April 16, 1944 he received the Ancient Order of the Deep award for crossing the equator on board the USS General J. R. Brooke. On April 14, 1945 he was united in marriage to Esther Caroline Snouffer in Kansas City, Kansas. John started his business career selling residential real estate, and later became involved in commercial land and real estate development. He is responsible for developing several large subdivisions; most notable, Holy Lane Estates in Paola and Indian Creek, Indian Creek Ridge and North Gate Meadows; all in Olathe. In 1985 he was elected President of the Olathe Builders Association and in 2004 was a member of the Kansas Realtors Political Action Committee. In 1957-58 John was awarded the Outstanding Club President of the Optimist Club of Mission, KS. John was a charter member of the Old Mission Masonic Lodge and remained an active member of the Shriners for 62 years. On Nov. 17, 1971 he was made an Honorary Abdallah member of Ararat Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. John enjoyed quail and pheasant hunting and fishing. He was an avid reader and very knowledgeable in world events and business news. John is survived by his wife Esther of the home; daughters Susan Day and Sara Jean Miles; granddaughter Jennifer Anne Day and her husband Aaron Burget and great grandson Henry Thomas Day-Burget. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Old Mission Lodge #153, 5201 W. 75 St., Prairie Village, KS 66208. To share a memory of John or leave a special condolence message for his family please click the Share Memories button.