John P. Macken

John Phillip Macken, 96 passed away on June 23, 2024, in Kansas City, MO. John was born April 8, 1928, to Lettie and Alonzo Macken in Kansas City, MO. He had 4 brothers, Ed, George, Bob and Stanley and 1 sister, Margaret. John was the youngest child. All siblings pre-deceased him.

John graduated from North Kansas City High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Germany during the Korean War.

John married Betty McKown on December 17, 1955. They raised 3 daughters: Terry (Mike) West, Denice (Steve) Ash, Connie (Jeff) Burr and 1 son, John (Kirstan) Macken. John and Betty were married for 66 years until her passing in 2022.

John worked in concrete construction his whole life, first with his brothers, then he founded John P. Macken Construction Co. Inc. in 1966. John was all about work. His hobby was work. When he wasn’t working, he was washing vehicles, mowing, trimming and even maintained the grounds of the cemetery where his parents were buried on 48th Street near Worlds of Fun. Fortunately, or unfortunately, all his children inherited his work ethic. He was immensely proud that his son worked for and with him and even more so when the roles were reversed, and he worked for his son. He loved taking business calls and saying “You have to talk to my son, he tells me where to go to work!” John continued working in the field on job sites up to the age of 82.

He built the family home, plus a home at the Lake of the Ozarks that served as a weekend getaway for family and friends. John could talk to anyone and always had a joke to tell.

John leaves his 4 children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.

A gathering of friends and family will be Monday, July 8, 2024 from 10-11:30AM, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 AM with Military Honors, all at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery. If you so desire memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in John's Memory.