John Harold Masters

February 18, 1932 — January 3, 2026

Mound City, Kanas

John Harold Masters, age 93, Mound City, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 3rd , 2026, at ICU KU Medical Center, Kansas City, KS after a traumatic fall on December 30th in Fort Scott, KS. He was born on February 18, 1932 in Farlinville, Kansas, the son of Grover and Leda Baston Masters. He graduated from Mound City High School in the Class of 1950. He was united in marriage to Betty Jo Randall on April 8, 1951. She preceded him in death on March 28, 2016.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from January 1952-January 1956. John was the only one of the twelve Masters children that remained living in Mound City his entire life. He worked as a farmer and rancher just west of Mound City. He attended the Mound City United Methodist Church, was a member of the American Legion Hewitt-New Post #248, and served on the board at F & M Bank since 1991.

John and Betty Jo enjoyed traveling, dances, and socializing with close friends and, of course, his large loving family. John continued his love for socializing after Betty passed with his close friend Charlene Stanbrough. This brought him much joy in his later years.

He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Denise Johnson; parents; five brothers, Clayton, Roy, Cecil, Hershel, and Glenn Master;, and five sisters, Vera O’Rourke, Ruby Wymer, Arlene Bryant, Donna Dedrick, and Carolyn Marshall.

John is survived by two daughters, Darla Jo Perry and husband John Michael of Olathe, KS, and Diana Otto and husband Kenny of Mound City, KS; a brother, L.D. Masters and wife Barbara of Shawnee, KS; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Honorary Pallbearers are his grandchildren, Jesse Johnson, John Frank, Jeff Harlow, Keith Harlow, Kyle Harlow, Ayla Gilmore, and Ean Frank.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Mound City First Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to service time at the Church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion Post #248. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on January 5, 2026.)