John L. Guffey

Johnney “John” Lee Guffey, 81, of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 13, 2022, surrounded by his family at Hillsboro Community Hospital.  Over the years, he worked for San Ore, Mistletoe Express, Beaver Express, and Prairieland Partners.

John was born on February 26, 1941, in Fairlane, OK, the son of Vernon M. and Ruby (May) Guffey.  He graduated from Codell High School.  He served in the United States Army from October 31, 1963 to October 29, 1965.  On December 29, 1969, John was united in marriage to Kay F. Basgall in Loretta, KS.  This union was blessed with three children, Jeffrey, Brian, and Betty.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Post #24. 

Throughout the years, John liked spending time with his friends and family hunting, fishing, and camping.  He was an epic storyteller and always enjoyed a good joke.  He was generous, loyal, caring, humble, wise, and a man of gentle strength.  There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his family, friends, and even strangers.  He welcomed all and even picked up a few hitchhikers along the way. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 52 years, Kay of the home; two children, Brian Guffey of McPherson, KS and Betty Laney (Josh) of Walton, KS; four grandchildren, Kane Guffey, Katelyn Guffey, Nichole Yianakopulos, and Caleb Laney; two great-grandchildren, Landyn Koons and Koda McFadden; a brother, Richard Guffey (Deb) of Hays, KS; sister-in-law, Carol Guffey of Brunswick, GA; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald Guffey; sister, Janis Johnson; a son, Jeffrey Guffey; a grandson, Trenton Yianakopulos; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Guffey.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 16, 2022, at Stockham Family Funeral Home.  A Rosary will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 17, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Ben Shockey officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will follow at McPherson Cemetery. To view a livestream broadcast of the Rosary and Mass, please click on the following link: https://stjosephmcpherson.com/mass

Memorial donations may be given to St. Joseph Catholic Church or McPherson County Food Bank in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. 

He leaves us with many words of wisdom.

-“Too much of a good thing is bad”

-“It will feel better when it quits hurting”

-“Keep your powder dry”

-“Two things that aren’t worth a shit is a

truck that won’t run and a dog that won’t hunt”

-“It’s always easier to find a job when you have a job”

-“Shit or get off the pot”

-“Always do what’s right and don’t get cocky”

-“Be good to yourself”