John Joseph Daley III

John Joseph Daley III, more commonly known to all who loved him as “Jack,” passed away on February 21, 2026, at Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. His death came far too quickly after a brief battle with pneumonia, and he was surrounded in his final days by the love and presence of family and friends.

Jack was born March 11, 1947, in Louisville, Kentucky, to John and Evelyn Daley. He often described himself as an “army brat,” spending parts of his childhood in Chicago, Louisville, and Germany. He graduated from Dickinson County Community High School in Chapman, Kansas, and immediately married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Lea Daley, on May 28, 1966, in Abilene, Kansas. They began their married life together in Enterprise, Kansas.

In 1976, Jack and Barbara moved to Edgerton, Kansas, where they raised their four children: Kim, Michelle, Becky and John. After their children were grown, career opportunities took them to Houston, Texas, and later to Winchester, Virginia, before they returned to Kansas in 2007 to settle in Paola. Jack worked faithfully in the newspaper printing business for the majority of his career.

Jack was a member of Lighthouse Presbyterian Church in Paola, where he joyfully served in many capacities over the years. Whether providing church security, helping in youth and children’s ministries, cooking in the kitchen, attending Bible studies, or participating in mission trips, Jack lived out his faith in practical ways - always ready to lend a hand.

Family was the very center of Jack’s life. He cherished time spent together — sharing laughter, offering wisdom, traveling or simply working in the garden. He took deep pride in being present for every gathering, milestone, and ordinary moment in between. He was someone his family could rely on without hesitation.

His well-timed humor kept everyone on their toes and left behind countless stories that will be told and retold for years to come. To know Jack was to know loyalty, integrity, generosity, and a deep, abiding love for those he called his own.

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Lea Daley; his brother, James Michael Lindsey; and his parents, John Joseph Daley II and Evelyn Ruth (Pickerell) Daley.

He is survived by his children: Kim (Troy) Bruza, Michelle (Melvin) Hobbs, Becky (Gordon) McDowell, and John (Sara) Daley; his sisters, Sharon Glenn and Jo Ann Armel; his brother, Steve Daley; Eighteen grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Though his passing leaves a profound ache in the hearts of many, the same love and steadiness he gave throughout his life surrounded him in the last month of his life here on earth. His presence was a gift, and his absence leaves a space that cannot be filled. He is deeply missed and will be forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Lighthouse Presbyterian Church, 1402 E. 303rd St., Paola, Kansas 66071. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the service at 11:00 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lighthouse Presbyterian Church.