The Excelsior Standard, July 21, 2023

John Means

John Allen Means, 82, of Excelsior Springs passed away July 12, 2023, at home after battling cancer for many months. John was born on July 7, 1941, at his family farm in rural Liberty. He was the only child of John E. Means and Anna E. Henson-Means. Both parents preceded him in death. He graduated in 1959 from Kearney High School.

In 1963, he was united in marriage to Karen Sue Holt of Excelsior Springs. On June 27 of this year, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

John retired in 2007 from Liberty Hospital after being employed there for more than 21 years. Throughout his lifetime, he also worked for Kenworth-Dart Truck Co., Dagley Chevrolet in Kearney, Butler Manufacturing Co. and the Missouri Highway Department (now the Missouri Department of Transportation), as he helped survey for the new interstate, I-29.

He served six years on the Excelsior Springs Museum board. In 2011, he was honored as Volunteer of the Year for the museum.

John was a member of Barbee Memorial Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder, as well as the church’s Scouting coordinator.

John volunteered for 30-plus years in various positions for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). In 1991, he was honored at the annual banquet at the Jack Reardon Civic Center in Kansas City, Kan., with The Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest honor the Heart of America BSA presents in recognition of distinguished service to youth. John served as cubmaster, organizer of several day camps, district camporees and the local Scout Show and Do; assistant district commissioner; and organizer of an Explorer post at Liberty Hospital.

He was a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and was elevated to Sachem in 1989. He was extremely proud that both of his sons, Craig A. Means and Chad C. Means, attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

John had many hobbies throughout his life, but spent most of his time drawn to the Indian culture. He spent many hours handmaking replicas of Indian artifacts.

John was able to see one of his greatest wishes fulfilled by donating his entire library of more than 200 Indian culture books to Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., as well as donating thousands of beads for the students’ projects.

Survivors include his wife, Karen Sue Means of the home; as well as his two sons, Craig Allen Means and Chad Christopher Means; and one granddaughter, Morgan Taylor Means. John always said that his greatest title of all was being called “Grandpa.”

John requested cremation with no funeral services. Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Thank you to Three Rivers Hospice in Platte City for their kindness and personal care.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Excelsior Springs Museum or the American Cancer Society and may be sent to Bross and Spidle Funeral Home (217 W. Broadway; Excelsior Springs, MO 64024), which is handling all arrangements.