John Thurman Ahring II

John Thurman Ahring II, born on October 22,1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, bid farewell to this world on September 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy woven with love, laughter, and heartfelt memories. He departed from us in Sibley, Missouri, where he lived life with a steadfast spirit, demonstrating resilience and warmth throughout his journey.

For over fifty years, John dedicated himself to the road as a truck driver in the petroleum industry. When asked about his work, he would proudly state what he did, often adding that he had no accidents while performing his duties. His relentless work ethic was matched only by his love for sweet corn, relishing the taste of life with each bite. Known to be the first in line for Casey's famous fish fry, he embraced joy in simple pleasures, reflecting a heart that thrived on gratitude and appreciation for the moments and people around him. John’s laughter was a constant and an ever-present melody in life’s symphony that enveloped those who knew him.

Though he spent much of his life on the road, his home was his sanctuary. An unwavering homebody, John maintained an impeccable household, believing that cleanliness and order were reflections of care and respect. Every item had its place in his world, a testament to his meticulous nature. His pride and joy was a gorgeous yellow rose cactus he lovingly transplanted from Texas back in 1977 while on one of his truck-driving journeys. He found true peace and solace in nurturing his yard, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of old-time country music. His love for the flora and fauna he cultivated mirrored his love for life itself.

John was not only a truck driver and a gardener; he was a natural handyman. He took immense pride in caring for his home, showcasing his skills by building a "his and her" outhouse in the backyard, restoring old tractors, and crafting his own trailers. He could often be seen traversing his neighborhood on his trusty Kawasaki Mule, visiting friends with an open heart.

John is survived by his sister, Connie Kimbrell and husband, Abe; his niece, Julie Pollard and husband Shawn; and his nephew, Casey Kimbrell and wife Mikki, along with many beloved extended family members, who cherished not only the moments shared with him but the indelible impact he made in their lives.

He joins in eternal rest with beloved family members who have departed before him: his wife, Janice Ahring; his father, John Ahring I; his mother, Reita Ahring; his sons, John Ahring III and Jimmy Paul Ahring; and his sister, Patty Morton. Together, they remain a constellation of love and memories that guides those who remain.

A graveside service will be held in his honor on September 21, 2024, at Buckner Hill Cemetery in Buckner, Missouri, a place that now becomes a sanctuary for his memory. The service will commence at 11:00 AM, with heartfelt remembrances to ensue.

John Thurman Ahring II was a gentle soul whose laughter still echoes in the gardens he tenderly tended and the hearts he touched. He leaves the world richer for his having been in it, a vibrant thread in the fabric of life whose spirit will continue to bloom in the love of those who carry his memory forward.