John Gifford Mader

John Gifford Mader, 87, of Lee’s Summit, MO went to his heavenly home on Monday August 2, 2021. A visitation will be held from 1-2pm with a service following at 2pm, both at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E 39th St; Independence, MO 64055. Interment will follow at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence.

John was born on February 19, 1934 in Kansas City, MO to Edward G. and Kathryn E. (Peck) Mader. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1952, and went on to study at Graceland University. John proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1954 to 1958 and in the National Guard until 1962. He was employed at Milbank Manufacturing as a Tool and Die Machinist for over 35 years, retiring in 1996.

John was also a Boy Scout Leader and a member of Tribe of Mic-O-Say as part of 4 generations in Boy Scouts, including 4 grandsons that are Eagle Scouts. He belonged to the Community of Christ and served as a Deacon and a Priest. John was in the Kathryn and Edward Mader Foundation for 9 years, having special interests in giving to children with disabilities and also giving toward the Puppetry Arts Institute of Independence. He was a gardener, spending time in The Kansas City Garden Club, particularly enjoying his special flower, the iris.

He enjoyed paying restaurant bills for military families when he saw them. He liked taking his friends to dinner. John was a member of the Knife and Fork Club for many years. He was an avid reader, especially of westerns and military books and an avid collector of teddy bears and oil lamps. John took his beloved wife, Kay, on many trips, including Hawaii, the Bahamas, and many states in the US, particularly driving through the countryside in the fall.

He is survived by his wife, Kay; his children, Melissa (David) Shaefer, Michael (Lee Ann) Mader; step-children, Lisa (Steve) Cobb, Ammon (Shannon) Suddaby, and Amber (Shaun) Doffing; grandchildren, Danielle Schaefer (Brett Schmidli), Marie Mader, Matthew Mader, John Paul Mader, Michael Mader, Jr., James Mader, Leah Mader, Rachael Welsh (Grant Baker) and Serenity Cobb; special family members, Dianne and Larry Welsh and Marge Barron; special mentors, Barbara and Roger Sullivan; brother and sister John and Barbara Bullard; John Jr. and Terri Bullard; Ronald and Doris Goold; many nephews and nieces, church friends and other special friends; and, of course, his special companions were Pomeranians, Teddy I, Teddy II and Sara Lee.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Puppetry Arts Institute of Independence.