John Edward Sens, husband, brother, and step-father, passed away on Friday, June 21st 2019. He is survived by his wife Maria Sens (Montelongo), his sister Janet Unruh (Sens), and two step-children, Vanessa and Matthew Montelongo. Maria and Janet were with him during his final moments.
Born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba on January 17th 1948 John spent most of his childhood in Great Bend, Kansas.
John joined the Navy after graduating from Great Bend High School in 1966. He served 4 years during the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged in 1970.
John was employed by Ruskin Dampers and Louvers for 47 years retiring in 2012 as National Architectural Sales Manager. During that time John made many friends in the Air Control industry where his commitment and dedication was respected by all.
John will be deeply missed by his family and friends, each of whom can testify to the unique way that he brought joy into their lives. Loyal and loving, John was most often found on the golf course or with a fishing rod in hand. He frequently spent his evenings entertaining his neighbors around the cul-de-sac with tales of his “wild” youth, slightly off-color jokes, and vodka and cranberry cocktails made just right.
Generous and kind, John was quick to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. He and Maria created a loving home, which was frequently filled with guests - and cats. To his step children, whom he met far too late in life, he was a constant source of support. An unexpected father figure who provided them with encouragement and most important, love.
John will be remembered for how he lived - with a smile on his face, a baseball cap on his head, loving life and all those around him.
There will be a graveside service at the Higginsville Veterans Cemetery and in the coming weeks a celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s honor may be made to the American Lung Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri
831 NE Lakewood Blvd.
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
