1938
2017
Born February 16, 1938, in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Died July 3, 2017 in Steeton, England. John graduated from Leeds University, England, in 1960, and pursued a career in Civil Engineering for over 15 years before answering a call to ministry. After graduating from Lincoln Theological College, John was ordained a deacon in the Church of England in 1978, and then ordained priest on July 2, 1979. In over 30 years as a priest, he served numerous churches in both England and America, including the Rugby Team Ministry and the Bicester Team Ministry in England, followed by St. David's Episcopal Church in Topeka (1998-2000), All Saints Episcopal Church in Kansas City, MO (2001-2003), and St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Stilwell, KS (2004-2014). When he was not serving a church in the U.S., he and his wife, Cheryl Wagner, attended Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence. John's passion for service was evident in his volunteer work at Kansas Audio-Reader. He could frequently be found walking across campus from his home to Audio-Reader, and back again in any weather, resorting to driving only when pouring rain. His service extended to his family, helping (or arguing with) his daughters and step-daughters about math and science homework.
John had a lifelong interest in what he called industrial archaeology - railways, tramways, and canals, preferably the working kind. He also enjoyed a lifelong hobby of tower bell-ringing, though he bemoaned the lack of towers in America. He did, however, get a kick out of ringing the bells in the tower of Boston's Old North Church, from which the citizens were warned the "British are coming!" back in 1775. He especially enjoyed his weekly meeting with friends over a beer at Free State Brewery.
John is survived by family in England as well as in the States. In England, he is survived by his two daughters, Janet Grace (Richard) of Ilkley, and Jackie Nixon (Anthony Peterson) of London, sisters Mary Allen (Michael) and Sarah Sheen (Michael) and brother Paul, and seven nieces and nephews. Stateside, he is survived by his wife, Cheryl, of Lawrence, and his step-daughters, Elizabeth (Ryan) LaPreze of Lawrence and their two sons, and Sarah Bodle (Winston Beck) of Berlin, Germany. A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 15, at 3:00, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Kansas Audio-Reader: www.reader.ku.edu.
John's ashes will be strewn in a remote corner of his beloved England, as he wished.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
John was vitally important in my life as a friend, a person who helped me with my husband's illness and death, and the officiant at my son's wedding. He was appropriately gracious, spiritually encouraging, yet with a quick wit when needed that helped keep life in perspective. Rest in peace, friend. You are missed.
Judy Heller
July 15, 2017
John was a beloved fixture at Kansas Audio Reader. Whenever I had occasion to speak to the blind listeners of the station, someone would invariably mention enjoying listening to John's broadcasts. I was once asked if he was Australian!
John got a laugh out of that. Oh, John, you are missed!
Peg Sampson
July 12, 2017
Pax Aeterna, John...Pax Tecum Old Friend!
Willie Lenoir
July 12, 2017
Our sincerest sympathies to the family of Rev. Nixon. He was a wonderful patient, and will be greatly missed.
Dr. Charles Kincaid & staff
July 11, 2017
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