John F. Gallagher

John F. Gallagher, age 83 of Paola, son of long-time Paola, Kansas residents Leo and Cecelia (Theno) Gallagher, passed away at North Point Skilled Nursing Facility on February 2, 2018. He was born July 2, 1934, the last of 10 children. He went to a rural school west of Paola for a year and then to St. Patrick School (now Holy Trinity) where he graduated eighth grade. After a few days of high school, he figured that was no way to make money and he started full-time farming. He bought his first tractor at 15 or 16 and made sure he had new cars to drive. He worked at Fluor Corporation (now Taylor Forge) as a welder and also held several other positions there for a while, but farming was his life and he never stopped doing that. He was a self-made man. John met his first love, Betty (Pernell-Myers), on a blind date and nine months later, on Oct. 10, 1959, they were married. From this marriage 2 children were born. Betty passed away after 42 years of loving and raising her family with John. John and Loretta (Marshall-Pobuda) married on May 13, 2006, after dating for a year, and the blended families have been nurturing and loving to all. John always knew what he wanted when he saw it. With him it was all or nothing. John was a farmer, pure and simple. He farmed alongside his father and brothers since he was a child and alongside his son as soon he was old enough to help. They worked together until he could no longer get onto a tractor. He proudly was still owner of part of that old home place and has passed that on to his children . He passed on also his work ethics, his love of family, and most importantly to him, his love of the Lord. His parents and siblings and wife Betty have all gone ahead of him to the final praise and glory of their Lord. He is survived by wife Loretta, son Daniel (Teri) and daughter Elaine (Michael) Brown, step-daughter Christine (Warren) Kirchhoefer, step-daughter Jean (Brian) Stauch and step-son Mike (Kim) Pobuda. Also, he was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 7 step-grandchildren. The great grandchildren have begun with 11, 2 on the way, and undoubtedly so many more to come. He loved getting to know these babies he has met. He was attracted to them immediately and they to him. After his family, he loved tractors first and then cars. He loved good music and good friends. He had a lot of those. He had a smile or a wave for everyone he met. He lived the straight and narrow for he understood it was this path to salvation. He so loved his church. His services are Tuesday, Feb. 6, with visitation 5-7 pm and rosary at 7 and Funeral Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 10 am. Both services are at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Paola. Memorials can be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or Ottawa Life Care Center. To leave a special message for John's family please click the "Share a Memory" tab.