John J. O'Mara, Sr.

John Joseph O'Mara, Sr., age 80, passed away on March 21, 2025, in Chanute, Kansas.

John was born on October 20, 1944, around Colony, Kansas, to Thomas "Tom" and Anna (Haffey) O'Mara.

On July 3, 1965, John married Catherine "Kay" (Ulery). They lived in Leroy, Kansas for a few years before moving to Iola. John was always a truck driver, hauling mail, crude oil, and rock for Nelson's Quarry. He also worked part-time for Delbert Nelson at Nelson's farm, when he wasn't driving, and worked as an auxiliary police officer in Iola. In 1974, John and Kay started J&C Snowplowing, plowing snow for several local businesses and churches during the winter months. He retired from Ruan Transport in Chanute at age 55, but continued driving his own dump truck for various customers.

John enjoyed camping and hunting quail in his early years, with his two sons and his bird dog, Star. Together, John and Kay liked to square dance and were members of the Iola Red Hots. After retirement, he became active in antique tractor pulling and participated in many local events. John also liked to go to the casino, and attend local auctions, often purchasing what others saw as "junk."

After his wife's passing, John could be seen out and about with his dog, Buzzard, frequently feeding stray animals.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Michael Ray O'Mara; and siblings, Tom O'Mara, Valetta Stanley, Coletta Sprague, and Aretta Nowlin.

John is survived by children, John (Sarah) O'Mara, Jr., Karen (Gary) Kimball, Terri (Jason) Lewis, and Kathleen (Sonny) Henning; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and his feline friend, Tommy Cat.

A Celebration of Life for John is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, Iola, Kansas. Burial will immediately follow at Colony Cemetery. Family will greet friends at a visitation on Thursday, March 27, 2025, in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Allen County Animal Rescue Facility (ACARF) and may be left in the care of the funeral home. Condolences for the family can be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.