John Manuel Temple

John Manuel Temple, 80, Independence, MO passed away April 3, 2023 after a long and hard- fought battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. A visitation will be held from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64052. An Inurnment will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 20109 Business Hwy 13, Higginsville, MO 64037. John was born October 7, 1942, in Chattanooga, TN to Harold James and Francis Margaret (Pierce) Temple. He was a graduate of Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri where he was a member of the football team. After graduating, he served in the Air Force and was a proud veteran. John continued to display his hard work ethic as a welder for Allis-Chalmers, where he also held the position of union steward. He then went on to work for Xerox, and later retired from Haldex in Blue Springs, MO.

John’s passion for sports continued well after high school. He coached football at all levels, including Pop Warner, and the semi pro football team the Shockers and Predators based out of Sugar Creek. He loved race cars and established J&J Racing and Fabrication, rebuilding several trucks. His pride and joy was building two custom Harley Davidsons motorcycles which were recognized with awards at many shows over the years. In his early years, he liked to bowl and became an avid golfer later in life until his battle with Parkinson’s made him unable to continue with these hobbies although he always continued to cheer his teams on. John was a proud brother of the Mt. Washington No. 614 AF & AF Shriners Lodge and Fraternal Order of Eagles, and the Optimist Club in Sugar Creek.

John is survived by his daughters, Lisa Temple-Young and Shelley Temple-Kneuvean; grandchildren, Jeanifer Pulse (Jeremy), Sean/Andy Temple (Cora), Katie Poke (Travis), Austin Temple, Alex Kneuvean (Makayla), and Anna Kneuvean; and ten great-grandchildren (Josie and Jordan Pulse; Jayden, River, and Harlee Temple; Hailey Eichler, and Ayanna, Raylee, Analise, and Travis Poke Jr.), and his brother Jim Temple. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Francis Temple. As a man of faith, he held close to the Bible verse John 3:16 and shared his love of God with many throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions be made to the American Parkinson’s Association in John’s honor. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900).