John Pinkerton

John Edward Pinkerton, 58 of Paola, Kansas, passed away Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Olathe Medical Center. John was born August 2, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Wayne and Patricia Pinkerton. John grew up a typical farm boy, hunting, trapping, fishing and raising award-winning (even Grand Champion) farm animals. He graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1971 where he was a Missouri State Champion Wrestler. A gifted athlete, he also attended Central Missouri State University where he played football. In 1971, John married Susan Miller, and in 1975 moved his family to Paola, Kansas. John learned the trade of carpentry from Susan"s father, Dean, and used those skills to start his own business, Pinkerton Custom Homes, in 1977. John passed his talents for custom home building along to his sons, Erick and Elijah, and his daughter, Rachel, and this 34-year old company continues to operate and thrive today. A true outdoorsman at heart, John enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, scuba diving and water and snow skiing. He was a search and rescue volunteer in Miami County, and active in the Assembly of God Church before moving to the Catholic faith. John also enjoyed participating in his children"s activities, especially Boy Scouts with his sons, Erick and Elijah. In 1995, John married Sonya Cunningham and they had a daughter, Rebecca, fondly known as Becky. Together the three spent quality time watching movies, going to the lake and boating. John is survived by his wife, Sonya Pinkerton, of the home; sons Erick Pinkerton of Parker, KS, and Elijah Pinkerton of Osawatomie, KS; daughters Rachel Pinkerton and Rebecca Pinkerton both of Paola; step-daughters Courtney Roberts of Lincoln, NE, Kaylene Ortbals of Blue Springs, MO, and the late Jarah Snelling of Independence, MO, as well as step-son Perry Snelling of Blue Springs, MO. John is also survived by his parents Wayne and Patricia Pinkerton of Cameron, MO; sister Catherine Tirado of Carmel Valley, CA; brother Joseph Pinkerton of St. Joseph, MO; three grandchildren and four step-grandchildren. John is a man who took great pride in his work. He genuinely loved his job, and his greatest joy came in the simplest form, laughing with his children and spending time with family. Memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus or the Pinkerton Memorial Fund. Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 609 E. Chippewa St, Paola, Kansas Service: Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM Visitation: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM