John Hunter Slayman

March 16, 1979 — October 15, 2025

Paola, Kansas

John Hunter Slayman, 46 of Paola, Kansas, was unexpectedly lost on October 15, 2025, due to a motorcycle accident.

He was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1979, the only son of Jack and Dee Slayman. He spent his childhood in Osawatomie and graduated from Osawatomie High School. He later earned his Associate Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting and Design Technology at Johnson County Community College. He married his best friend, Melanie, on October 12, 2019. He gained not only the love of his life but also a son he adored.

Over the years he has worked as a draftsman for several engineering firms and was employed at Power Engineers in Overland Park at the time of his death.

John and his wife purchased an old Victorian home in Paola and moved there with their son. They planned to renovate the historic home.

His unexpected passing comes as a shock to family and friends. He was taken from us far too soon.

John was preceded in death by his Grandparents. He is survived by his wife Melanie, Stepson Owen, Mother Dee Slayman, Father Jack Slayman and brother Seth Slayman and family as well as a large extended family.

A Rosary will be conducted on Friday, October 24th, at 5:30pm at Eddy Birchard Funeral Home followed by visitation Friday, October 24th, from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Service will be Saturday, Oct 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Philp Neri Catholic Church.

Graveside services will be conducted immediately following.

(Published in the Linn County Journal on October 21, 2025.)