John William Utterback

John’s life began on July 20, 1938, in Loudonville, Ohio.  He is the son of Noel and Alberta (Wilson) Utterback.  John was a 1957 graduate of Loudonville High School and served his country in the United States Airforce from 1961 until 1965 as a jet engine mechanic and Assistant Crew Chief on a KC-135 Stratotanker in the 310^th Organization Maintenance Squadron at Sheppard AFB in Texas then at Schilling AFB in Salina.  He was united in marriage to Sue Hysom on June 5, 1965, in Salina. John worked most of his life as a mechanic and enjoyed race cars, working on pit crews, and occasionally racing himself.  He was a member of the VFW Post 1432 in Salina and privileged to participate in the Kansas Honor Flight #95 in June of this year.  He is survived by his children Cindy Vargas of Salina, Sandy (Tom) Lampo of Thornton, CO, and Tim (Nicole) Utterback of Sayville, NY; Grandchildren Chantal (Adam) Rasnic, Chelsea (Dylan) Lefort , Grace (Christian) Toth, Keagan Lampo, Kailey (Brandon) Moen, Racheal (Andrew) Cooper, Cierra (Stephen) Hinwood, Sadie (Jonathan) Chiansi, Ella Utterback, Evelyn Utterback and Jamison Dimas; Great-grandchildren Austin, Aylah, Kasyn, Aliyah, Maeve, Brooklyn, Creighton, Bradleigh, Beckett, Rhyatt, Aaron, Emberly, Genevieve, Mozya and Sophia; his brother Kenny (Jo) Utterback of Loudonville, brother-in-law Stan Carnegie of Loudonville, sister in law Sally Hallam of Loudonville and several nieces and nephews.  John passed away on Friday September 22, 2023, at his Salina home.  He is preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings Junior, Patricia, Cookie, Margie, and Mary Lou.  His family will gather with friends on Saturday October 21, 2023, at Grand Avenue UMC in Salina for his memorial service at 11 a.m.  He will be laid to rest in the Gypsum Hill Cemetery with military honors following the service.  Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Marion is serving the family.  Memorial contributions in John’s name may be directed to the Kansas Honor Flight.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of John at www.yazelmeglifh.com.