John Oliver Fetters or as his grandchildren referred to him, “Papa John”, went to be with Jesus on October 15, 2024, while surrounded by his family.
John was born to John “Jack” and Erma Fetters on January 14, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri.
John graduated high school in 1980 from Ruskin High school in Kansas City. Shortly after graduation, he began a career with Time Warner, where he remained a loyal employee for over thirty years.
John was a family man. He raised his four boys with the mother of his children, Kelly Black, in Pleasant Hill, Missouri. He was always active in their lives, especially during those early years, often coaching teams for the boys and their friends.
Following his retirement came what he considered the most rewarding part of his life: being “Papa” to his twelve grandchildren. Up until the day of his death, his biggest smiles and greatest pleasure came from seeing his grandbabies.
John also found tremendous joy in spending time and traveling with his partner of 20 years, Tracy Orpin. He was always excited to recount stories of the many places they had been together.
In addition to his family, John loved his dogs, having a special place in his heart for Boston Terriers, especially his fur buddies, the late Billy, and his most recent companion, Frankie.
John had many friends new and old. The ones who loved him the most, often referred to him as “Johnny”. He cared for his friends deeply, always doing his best to keep in touch.
John loved Jesus. When asked what he wanted people to know about at his funeral, his definitive answer was, “Salvation! And that Christ is the only way!” In his final months, living a life honoring to Christ was his primary focus and topic of conversation. His family finds so much joy and peace knowing he is without a doubt, dancing in heaven in the presence of Jesus, CANCER FREE!
John was preceded in death by his father, “Jack” Fetters and his sister Gayle (Fetters) Honeycutt. He leaves behind his mother, Erma Fetters; four sons, Jonathan (Alicia) Fetters, Justin (Alison) Fetters, Joshua (Chelsy) Fetters, and Jacob (Christina) Fetters; Twelve grandchildren, Jaxton, Karsen, Maddex, Ariyah, Uma, Boden, Dawson, Oaklee, Ledger, Arlowe, Ashtyn, and Rowen; his partner, Tracy Orpin; mother of his children, Kelly Black; brother-in-law, Tim Honeycutt; niece, Emily (Shawn) Degler; nephew, Zach Honeycutt; and pup, Frankie.
