John Romine

John Romine, 85, of Paola, KS, died Sunday, March 23, 2014 at his home west of Paola, KS, from complications of COPD. John was born March 25, 1928 in Danville, IL to George "Pete" and Marie Luke Romine. He grew up and lived in the Chicago area before moving to Paola 44 years ago. John graduated from Austin High School in Chicago and continued his schooling at DePaul and Northwestern Universities in Chicago. After moving to Kansas he and his wife Phyllis took classes at Johnson County Community College, Washburn and the University of Kansas studying archeology. John was a Korean War veteran with the 45th Infantry as a war photographer. He was a proud Eagle Scout and was very active in scouting activities throughout his life. He met his future wife, Phyllis in 1948 while they were both learning to fly. They were married on December 26, 1951, and recently celebrated their 62nd anniversary. John was a lithographer and worked in the printing industry until his retirement in 1996. He had worked for Rand-McNally at one time as an AP photographer. Jack, as he was often called, was preceded in death by his parents and an infant granddaughter Coy Mae Conner. John is survived by his wife Phyllis of the home; six children James Romine (Donna) of Lawrence, KS, Beth Conner (Chris) of Paola, Andrea Romine of Stoughton, WI, Carrie Romine of Wichita, KS, Guy Romine of Pittsburg, KS, Gwen Romine, of Spring Hill, KS; 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. He also leaves his beloved dog, Sugar, of the home. The couple traveled extensively worldwide. They traveled across and around the United States many times. Together the couple participated in many archeological digs as volunteers. They shared their knowledge with organizations and local schools by setting up simulated dig sites for students. John and Phyllis did whale watching research. They also caught, tagged, and released monarch butterflies for research purposes. John worked in the University of Kansas archeological laboratory helping sort and identify artifacts. He wrote and published an essay of his discoveries. John was also quite interested in geology. John loved to cook and was a collector of many cookbooks. He was an avid crossword puzzle enthusiast and did one every day. John loved to read and loved classical music. His farm remains a beloved haven for flora and fauna alike. John loved observing bugs, butterflies and birds. In lieu of flowers please donate to Monarch Watch, World Wildlife Fund, or the National Wildlife Federation in his honor. Monarch Watch " checks payable to Monarch Watch; please send to Gift Processing Dept., KU Endowment, Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044-0928. To share a memory of John or leave condolence to the family of John Romine please go to the share memory tab.