John Coltrin

John Jacob Coltrin of Louisburg, KS went to his heavenly home on February 11, 2015. He was 77 years old. John was born on September 14, 1937. He was the son of Teddy John and Margery Olive Wheat Coltrin. He had an older sister, Verna Sue Coltrin Thomas and a younger brother, Roger Lee Coltrin. Both John and his brother Roger were born in the nursing home in Paola, KS. John"s parents operated the Kansas City Star paper route in the area surrounding Louisburg. From a young age he and his sister and brother helped with the route. They rolled and threw papers for many years in the pre-dawn hours of each day. John and his siblings had many funny stories to tell about their adventures on the paper route. The family worked very hard and worked together, something they all excelled at and enjoyed. Hard work always was and remains today a signature of the Coltrin family. As a teenager John worked for Clyde Brown at the local car dealership. John did mechanics, body work, car cleanup, whatever the job entailed. Being an avid car buff, this was the perfect job for him. He loved a fast car. John graduated Louisburg High School in 1955. Shortly after, he went to work at Hallmark Cards in KCMO. He worked as a cutting press operator until 1965. John left Hallmark and operated the Sinclair Station in Louisburg, KS pumping gas, busting tires and working on cars. He built the first car wash in Louisburg next to the station that still stands today. He also owned a filling station at "Cozy Corners" which was at 247th and Metcalf. In 1966 John returned to Hallmark Cards and also worked evenings for the Simmons and Dibbens gas station north of town. John retired from Hallmark in 1993. After almost 10 years of retirement John found his dream job delivering cars for Louisburg Ford. Again, there were many stories to tell. John logged thousands of miles delivering cars. Some of the few interesting facts about John: During the early 1970"s, John served as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Louisburg. He was known as a fair and just judge. He gave up this position shortly before his oldest child got her driver"s license. He did not want to have to deal with her in court! John also did a stint in the US Marine Corp Reserves and loved to square dance. John was once struck by lightning on one of the family"s yearly trips to Peaceful Valley Lodge. John loved cars and collecting old money and coins. He also enjoyed his years as a horse trader and Rupp dirt bike dealer. John loved cars and always had a fast one setting in his driveway. He was particularly fond of a Buick Wildcat that he once owned. John was a large supporter of the Louisburg United Methodist Church. He was instrumental in restoring the old church bell and moving it to the church"s new location a few years back. He also took care of the restoration and installation of the beautiful iron gates that grace the church entrance. He loved to travel to Oregon and help his son work in the vineyards and make wine. John was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who wanted to try to better themselves. He was a staunch supporter of the Salvation Army. John"s brother Roger lovingly refers to his brother as "Curly" and during his youth, his close friends called him "Jake". John married Nadine Clute in 1956 and had two children-Johnna Sue and David Lee. In 1980, John married Lois Teegarden, a co-worker he had met at Hallmark. Lois" son Boyd became a part of John"s family. John was preceded in death by parents and older sister Verna Sue. He has also recently lost his lifetime friend Verle Bostick. He is survived by his loving wife Lois of the home, his daughter Johnna Ross and husband Tim, his sons David Coltrin and wife Christi and Boyd Teegarden and wife Cassandra. John has 13 grandchildren and 4 great-granchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by his brother Roger and wife Jan, his niece Paige Crosby and nephews Ed and Jeff Thomas as well as many friends and family too numerous to list but always remaining in the hearts of his family. Family and friends were John"s treasure on this earth. He considered himself a blessed man. John lived in Louisburg his entire life except for couple of years in the city. He was a member of the Masonic Peace Lodge #243 and Order of the Eastern Star-Chapter 21 for over 50 years. Recently John and his brother Roger established the Coltrin Family Scholarship available to graduating Seniors of Louisburg High School. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Louisburg United Methodist Church or the Miami County Cancer Foundation. Louisburg United Methodist Church 249 N. Metcalf Louisburg, KS Service: Monday, February 16, 2015 at 4:30 PM Visitation: Monday, February 16, 2015 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM