Obituary
John Russell (JR) Meinders, 78, of Lake Lotawana, Missouri, exited our earthly existence in God’s hands Friday morning, October 25, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri
JR was born May 5, 1946, to John Russell Meinders, Sr and Thelma Elaine. They dubbed him “JR” from birth, to differentiate him from his father, John. He spent much of his youth working the family farm in El Reno, as well as playing football and baseball for El Reno High School, from where he graduated in 1964. In 1969, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University.
JR started his career with Gulf Oil in Port Arthur, Texas, where he met his first wife, Judy.
In the early ‘70s, they relocated to Kansas City, where his son Mark was born.
He first worked for Black and Veatch Engineering, then began a long stint at the KCK Board of Public Utilities. He worked his way up to General Manager of their Quindaro Power Plant, retiring in 2001. Retirement didn’t last long for JR. Burns and McDonnell Engineering needed an engineer for their Power Division and hired him immediately. It was there he worked for 5 years until he said, “Enough!”
JR’s interests included boating, snow skiing and woodworking. He met his second wife Sue on a Colorado ski trip; they married in ’02 and built a home on his property on Table Rock Lake. They made great memories boating around that lake, until the city called them back, and they settled at Lake Lotawana.
His woodworking skills amazed everybody. Who says an engineer can’t be creative? This guy crafted beautiful tables, chair, filing cabinets, you name it. He even made small rocking chairs as gifts to various friends.
JR was preceded in eternal rest by his sisters Karen, Bette Kay, and Jean. He leaves behind his wife, Susan, of the home, brother Rob Meinders of Benedicta, Maine; son Mark Meinders (Krista), granddaughters Jordyn and Ashtyn, of Lake Winnebago, MO; stepson Patrick James (Audrey), grandsons Landon and Connor of Lenexa KS; stepson Eric James (Jaime), grandsons Logan and Avery of Blue Springs.
Funeral Service/Celebration of Life at 1:00 pm Saturday November 16, 2024, Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 3108 US Highway 40, Blue Springs MO 64015
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Blue Springs, MO 64015
When our paths crossed it was always such a pleasure. Great person
So sorry to hear of JR’s passing. I worked with JR at Burns and Mac. We also had a place at Table Rock Lake. He was always a joy to be around. Now he can rest in peace. I know he will be missed by all. 🙏🙏❤️❤️
You will be missed. I have many happy memories of our days at OSU and weekends in El Reno and Durant. Bill.
JR was just a good man. I got a call from him within the last year and we visited about his family, his health, classmates and my family. Our sincere condolences to his wife and family.
J.R. was our friend and Fred’s roommate throughout his years at OSU. We so appreciated returning to Stillwater for OSU football games, which reunions were conceived and executed by JR as a gesture of his friendship and generosity. We also fondly remember spending some time with JR and Sue at Tablerock lake. We have truly lost one of the finest people we have ever known.
J.R. was an excellent engineer and a wonderful person. He will be missed.
I had the privilege of having John as a customer while he was at BPU. He was such a nice and respectful fun guy. Sorry for your loss.