Obituary
John Neale Sievers, 69, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
John was born on February 15,1956, in Fairfax, Missouri, the son of C. Neale and Carol Sievers. The Sievers moved to Lee’s Summit in 1958, where John graduated from Lee’s Summit High School in 1974. He later attended the University of Missouri–Columbia, where he earned his MBA and a Masters in Public Health Administration.
A life-long Lee’s Summit resident, John spent his childhood years playing baseball, participating in Boy Scouts, running around town with the family’s beloved dog, Tammy, fishing in local ponds, and going on family hunting trips.
In high school, John’s proudest moments were participating in Cross Country and Track. His relationship with his fellow teammates remains strong to this day. John was always quick to mention that his relay team still holds the 2 mile high school record at Lee’s Summit.
On August 10, 1979, John married Terri Higgins. Together they raised their daughter, Jordan Neale Sievers, who remained the center of his world. John was a devoted husband, father, and grandpaw to Jordan’s dog Tobi.
John spent his professional career in healthcare administration where he built lifelong friendships. John had a gift for bringing people together, and he took genuine pride in the networks and relationships he built and nurtured over the years. He truly loved what he did.
John’s favorite pastime was spending time with his family and friends. He was a lifelong Mizzou fan, and he especially loved the years of tailgating and welcoming all of Jordan’s sorority sisters into the Sievers’ Tailgate traditions. Some of his happiest days were spent out on the water soaking up sunshine with yacht rock music playing in the background or out on the golf course with his best friends.
He loved staying active, running, golfing, and most importantly, making everyone laugh. He had a talent for creating some mischief—just enough to keep life light and fun. He loved to tell (the same) jokes and knew little bounds to getting a laugh.
He had a special love for Christmas—stringing up lights, watching Christmas movies, and making the season feel magical for those around him.
John was a natural storyteller who could turn ordinary moments into something worth remembering, and he loved reminiscing and sharing stories with anyone willing to listen. Those who knew him will remember his sense of humor, his generosity, his incredible work ethic, and, above all, the genuine kindness that shaped every part of his life.
John was the best beach bum, boat captain, water ski instructor, hiking partner, running coach, brunch throwing, Mizzou loving, trouble making (cat and dog) dad there ever was. If there is one legacy he leaves behind, it’s to always be the life of your own party.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Carol and C. Neale Sievers. He is survived by wife, Terri (Higgins) Sievers, his daughter Jordan Neale Sievers, his brothers Mike (Patty) and Mark (Carla), in-laws, Erv Higgins, Tracy (Rob), Steve (Melissa), and his beloved nieces and nephews, Kathryn, Michelle, Kendall, Jimmy, John, David, Meagan, Taylor, Makenna and Reed, all who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
A visitation will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to the Lee’s Summit High School Boys Cross Country Team, honoring the “glory days” of the program—years that helped shape John’s love of running and the values he carried throughout his life.
Donations can be made through the Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation website at lsedfoundation.org. After clicking the green ‘Donate Now’ button in the upper right corner, please be sure to select ‘John Sievers Memorial Donations’ from the My donation is for dropdown menu. This will ensure all gifts are sent to the Lee’s Summit High School Boys Cross Country Team.
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Heartfelt condolences to John’s family. Our friendship was short but very meaningful. I will miss him.
That was an amazing summary of John, his life, his values, and his priorities! He was definitely the life of his own party! We will all try to live with that motto in his honor. He will be sorely missed by family and friends and coworkers.
Our deepest sympathy to Terri and Jordan. We are devastated by the news of John’s passing. At any gathering, John always had a special story to tell that connected people and made you smile. We feel so fortunate to have seen John and Terri the weekend before he passed, and John shared a few Mizzou stories that evening. We will cherish John’s friendship and the memory of his enthusiastic storytelling.
While I did not have the pleasure of knowing John, I am certain he was an incredible person based on the kind, genuine, hard-working, funny, and thoughtful daughter he raised. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Beautifully said. No one had a greater zest for life. We will be blaring yacht rock classics in his honor when boating season comes around. Sending all of our prayers and love, the Flanagin family- Connor, Megan, Clare and Jake.
The light of our Cul-de-sac and beloved neighbor, we will forever miss John Sievers!!
What a beautiful tribute to such a special man. My heart goes out to Terry and Jordan as well as all of John’s other family members. It sounds like you have a treasure trove of memories to help you process your grief. Much love and prayers.
Thinking of you Jordan, along with your entire family. I am so sorry for your loss!
John was a great neighbor for over 30 years. He was fanatical about mowing his yard and bagging leaves. He always had a smile and a friendly greeting when we met out in our yards, and was always willing to help or share tools or his ladder. He left us way too early.
My deepest sympathies.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
Much love,
Donna Lillard Young
Jordan and Terri,
We just learned of John’s death-we are so sorry to hear this. Please know of our prayers for all of you at this difficult time.
The Teson’s
Captured the perfect way to describe Coach John! We will always remember the years of soccer and boating days with Coach John. And how his mischievous laugh was contagious throughout the room. Our hearts are with you all, sending all our love, and remembering all the amazing memories.
This is an impeccable tribute. I can’t think of anything better that could’ve been written. I felt John just jump off the page.What a tribute to John
We were so lucky to have him. And I’m sure our deep sorrow is shared. He was a great friend of mine and we spent hours together. I can’t describe how much I’m going to miss him.
Terri, Jordan, I have been thinking of you endlessly. You had a great husband and a great father. I will be there Saturday to help say so long.
We were so very sorry to hear about John’s passing. Please hold your memories close, during this very sad time.
Doug & Rita Goppert
I am so sorry for your loss Jordan. Thinking of you and all of your family at this really sad time.
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to know him, he sounds like he was a wonderful guy. May God provide you and your family peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Ken Rimmer
A wonderfully written tribute to a very special man. So very sorry for your loss.
Love and prayers
Terri/Jordon – I am so very sorry for your loss! Over the years, I didn’t see John that often, but when I did, Costco, Quick Trip, or wherever, he always had a huge smile on his face. He always seemed to be happy and I will always remember him for that smile, which will be sorely missed! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your family!
He was such a light!!! He was a jokester, a party starter, an includer, and an absolute great time. I was lucky enough to be apart of the tailgate crew… he would bring the Pom Poms for the kids, the laughs for the adults… and the hugs for all of us! Our hearts are broken to know that we will never see that mischievous smile (with a holy crap what is he up to) but we know that he is making people laugh up in heaven… and we know lord Jesus he will make you smile. Love you and will miss you, Katie, Ryan, Hattie, Rex, and Libby Schaal
No one could have a better neighbor than John. Every morning, before I got up, John would put my newspaper by my front door. And ironically, he had put it there the morning before he left this world that evening. It is going to take awhile before I stop looking out the front window expecting to see John out walking Tobi. He gave himself for others. And as others have mentioned, he was very pleasant. Tobi, a rescue dog, was frightened by fireworks. But before Tobi joined the family, John could always be found on the 4th of July, at night, out shooting off fireworks. John was such a people person, and this person will miss him for a long time.
So very sorry for your loss prayers to all the family and friends
So sorry to learn of John’s death. We knew each other in high school and, unfortunately, lost touch after graduation. I remember John as fun to be around, a creative cafeteria prankster and a very good athlete. Sounds like he lived his life to the fullest and blessed others with his great personality and career success. My sincere sympathies to Terri and family. May the Lord comfort you in this time of loss.
Our sincere condolences to the passing of John! A wonderful, remarkable Man and Friend! He will be remembered in our thoughts, lovingly talked about amongst us, and we are blessed to have known him.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I always felt that John was an honorary big brother to Tracy and me. I distinctly remember learning when John’s team won the state cross country crown! He leaves a great legacy.
I didn’t know John that well…but living on EDGEWATER CT i would see him mowing Jordan’s yard…I would stop to talk about MIZZOU since my son and husband graduated from MIZZOU..
I am praying for his family and friends…gone too soon
Well John, you crossed the “finish line” ahead of me, again. It definitely was one of the best times of my life being your friend and teammate. So, so many great memories of you. In my mind’s eye, I can still see you handing off the baton to me the day we set the record. Mostly I remember how I looked forward just to be in your presence. Because I knew I would be laughing soon. You made the thousands of miles we ran together pass so effortlessly with your hilariously entertaining humor.
Our heartfelt condolences, Terri and Jordan. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Terri,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of John.
Saddened for you, Jordan and all your family.
I hope you find peace and comfort through Jesus love and may God’s peace guard your Heart ❤️.
Sincerely,
Guy and Cindy Brammer
Thinking about you, Terri and Jordan. I hope that you can feel the love wrapping around you at this difficult time. I’m here if you need a listening ear. Sending so much love!
Molly
Terri, My deepest and sincere condolences for you at this time. I know the hurt you are feeling now. God be with you to strengthen your being and keep you safe during this time. May your thoughts of John bring peace to your heart.