John Charles "Jack" O'Renick

John Charles “Jack” O’Renick, 90, passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. A mass will be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Cyril Catholic Church. A visitation will take place at the church at 9:00 AM. Burial at Mound Grove Cemetery following the mass.

Jack was born on April 11, 1932 to Nicholas and Neva (Hayes) O’Renick of Sugar Creek, MO. He graduated from Northeast High School, where he played football for the school's championship team. He was musically gifted, playing the trumpet from a young age. Jack's passion for music led him to the love of his life, Beverly Ann Johnson. Beverly was musically gifted as well, playing piano. In high school, the couple played together in a swing band. On February 3, 1951, Jack and Beverly were married and began a 72-year life together.

In 1952, Jack joined the U.S. Army Reserve Engineer Unit, proudly serving his country until he was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant in 1960. He found his career calling shortly after high school as a carpenter. Jack built the family home in Sugar Creek, that he shared with Beverly and their five children. He was a proud member of the carpenter's union and eventually started a residential construction building company.

When not working, Jack dedicated his time serving the community that he was proud to call home. In the City of Sugar Creek, he served on the Board of Aldermen in the 1960s and was a member of the Planning Commission. In 1981, Jack was elected Mayor and served for 12 years. A year after he took office, the Amoco Oil Company announced it was closing its Sugar Creek refinery. Jack led the efforts to stabilize the city's finances and increase its presence in the region. He developed construction and environmental guidelines that were adopted into law by the State Legislature of Missouri and municipalities across the state. He served in many state-wide positions, including Chairman of the Missouri Municipal League, on the Missouri State Highway and Transportation Committee, and on the Missouri Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation. Locally, he served as Treasurer of the Mid-America Regional Council and was Chairman of the Jackson County Water Coordinating Committee.

Jack was active in several civic organizations in Sugar Creek, and with local youth groups. He was a committeeman for St. Ann’s Girl Scout Troop and a Boy Scout leader for Troops 268 and 234. As a proud grandson of Slovak immigrants, Jack actively promoted his heritage. He was an organizer of the Sugar Creek Tamburitzans, and was active in the Sugar Creek Slavic Festival for many years. He was also a founding member of the Sugar Creek Fair & Festival Board - a nonprofit volunteer group that organizes the Slavic Festival. Jack also cared deeply about his spiritual community. He was a past Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council and served in many roles as a member of St. Cyril Catholic Church in Sugar Creek.

Jack is survived by his lifelong love, Beverly Ann (Johnson) O’Renick; daughters, Debbie (Robert) Ray; Cathy (Jerry) Nelson; Dana O’Renick, and Julie (Todd) Matt; son, Mark (Debbie) O’Renick; grandchildren, Scott, Nicholle, Ryan, Dan, Brittanie and Anna; and great-grandchildren, Grace, Caroline, James, Averie and Barrett. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Neva (Hayes) O’Renick; and brother, Robert O'Renick. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made in honor of Jack O'Renick to: One Community Hospice (https://www.onecommunityhospice.com/donation/) and the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1). Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel)