Nov 07, 1942---Mar 06, 2025

John Bernard Dehan (Grampy), 82, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on March 6, 2025, at his home. He was born on November 7, 1942, in Wilmington, Ohio to John Daniel Dehan (Great Grandpa) and Miriam (Jones) Dehan, who preceded him in death.

John and his beloved wife, Reva Ann (Getz) Dehan, met in Wilmington, Ohio, and were high school sweethearts who enjoyed attending the Murphy Theatre together where Aunt Marge worked. They went their separate ways for college but reunited, were married and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reva preceded him in death on February 19, 2018.

John grew up a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Wilmington, Ohio. He graduated from Wilmington High School and later attended and graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained a loyal fan, enjoying basketball games with a local group of fellow alumni Musketeers. John was recruited and hired by Yellow Freight in Kansas City in 1965 where he worked for 37 years. The opportunity brought Reva and him to Kansas in 1967 where they stayed until their passings. 

John and Reva were blessed with three sons, for which he served as coach in their many sports. In retirement, John enjoyed refereeing basketball games, playing senior adult softball, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, building model military planes, being an active member of Cure of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas, and spending time telling stories with family, friends, and anyone willing to have a conversation.

John is survived by three children John Andrew (Jennifer) Dehan, Matthew Alan (Kathleen) Dehan and Steven Charles (Jamie) Dehan all the Kansas City area; seven grandchildren Margaret, John Daniel (Claire), Timothy, Ryan, Dylan, Elijah and Samuel; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and granddaughter, Jessica Nicole.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make a donation to Cancer Action Kansas City (www.canceractionkc.org). A visitation service will be held 4:00-5:30 pm on Tuesday, March 11 at Cure of Ars Catholic Church, 9405 Mission Road, Leawood, Kansas. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, March 12 as Cure of Ars. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com. Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 913-438-6444)

Pallbearers will be John Daniel Dehan, Timothy Dehan, Ryan Dehan, Dylan Dehan, Elijah Dehan, Samuel Dehan, Jim Knight, and Ken Winters.

 



Condolences

Brian Stack Mar 08, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

John and family - so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Hold on to all the great memories. He was a great man who influenced so many of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mark Beashore Mar 09, 2025

Friend, fellow official ,Lenexa ,Kansas

John, deeply saddened hearing this news. Your Dad was a guiding influence on a lot of young officials (and some older ones as well). He was truly a good friend to all he met. Prayers and condolences to the family.

Phil Stutheit Mar 09, 2025

A true friend who has created many good memories and legacy to be admired.

Roy Stuerzl Mar 09, 2025

Longtime softball and basketball official friends ,Overland Park, KS ,Kansas

John I cannot believe John’s passing. He is a fellow mentor and one whom I can never replace. Please accept my heartfelt condolences from a friend with a broken heart. I pray for John and the whole family. He is with our lord now and getting ready for a heavenly softball season.

Jon Bishop Mar 09, 2025

Referee ,Leavenworth ,Kansas

Our condolences go out to the Dehan Family during this time of loss. Thoughts & Prayers from our family to yours!!!

Don Fazio Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Johnnie and family, Senior was best!!! Always kind words, a giggly laugh, very thoughtful, and a true friend. God rest his soul!!

Ken Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Gardner ,Kansas

It’s never easy losing a loved one. My prayers go out to the Dehan family for your loss. I pray your family finds peace and solitude in this time of grief. If the Bradens can be of any help, for a meal, a few words of encouragement or anything….please just reach out!

JMO Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

Peacefully he passed and forever Peacefully he will live. I am sad for you and your family and happy for him and the rest he gets to enjoy. We love you guys. Kim and John

Greg Abernathy Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

God bless John and his entire family that he was proud of and loved so much. John was always a delight to be with, whether we were on the basketball court or having a meal together. I'm blessed to have called him a"friend".

Ramon Lendof Mar 09, 2025

Official and friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May your dad’s memory be a blessing,

Adrine Flenoy Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,KC ,Missouri

Sorry for your lost. You dad was a good man.

The Randles Mar 09, 2025

We hope that the memories that you and your father made together bring you peace in this difficult time. With love and condolences, The Randles

Carl Perico Mar 09, 2025

Fellow Official ,Kansas City ,Kansas

John-I worked with Senior a few times when I first came back to KC from Wichita. The times I remember is working KC Christian games, and he came in for the varsity ones. He would come to us at halftime and give us encouraging words and helpful advice in a fatherly way...until I called the A.D. at Rockhurst!!! Then, Senior called me and raked me over the coals for calling the school when I should have called him! I didn't know how it was done in KC, so I actually appreciated him setting me straight. I loved the fact that he would tell it like it is, so I highly respected him for that. In the dressing room he, with his partner, Dave, would tell us softball stories that were hilarious. He was one-off-a kind! He raised you, and he did a pretty good job I would say! May God bless you and your family real good, and may you have peace in your mourning for your dad.

Jeff Eckert Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Sending my deepest sympathies to the Dehan family. John was such a fine man. I can't count the times I saw him mentoring and laughing with fellow officials. He was my "OG" mentor for over 20 years. God rest his soul. Job well done, sir.

Paulo Villaca Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Baldwin City ,Kansas

My condolence to your family .Rest in peace ! May God bless all of you.

Jon Becker Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

John and family - Mary and I want to extend our sincerest condolences for your loss. Senior will be missed! We are praying for you and your family, for comfort during this difficult time and also that God will bring to mind many sweet memories of him, in the upcoming weeks and months as you mourn.

Jack Messer Mar 09, 2025

John and family Sending along well wishes on your Dad’s passing. He will live in through all the people he has affected in a positive way. He was a mentor to many and a fair arbiter to all. Wishing you the best Jack Messer

Monte and Denise Pippin Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,SHAWNEE ,Kansas

John, Monte and I are soo sorry to hear about your dad. May God wrap his arms around you and the family and give you the peace and comfort that only he can give. You all are in our prayers.

Lou Van Horn Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Loch Lloyd ,Missouri

John, I am truly sad to hear this news. I know how much he meant to you and the entire Dehan family. Cherish the memories and his words of wisdom that will always be with you. May he rest in the welcoming arms of our eternal Father in Heaven.

Paul Heacock Mar 09, 2025

Friend and fellow senior softball player ,Olathe ,Kansas

I was deeply saddened to hear about John Sr.’s passing. He was not only a great teammate but also the one who first welcomed me onto the Conroy’s team, for which I will always be grateful. His love for the game and his camaraderie on and off the field will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to John Jr., his family and friends during this difficult time.

Dan French Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

John and Family, The stories were always great! Loved talking with him and the night Dee and I ended up having dinner with Senior and Reva was simply a kick, a great memory for us! Our prayers with will be with you, they both gave you the spirit, the strength and the love to handle this time in your lives. God Bless! Dan & Dee

Robert Blatcher Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

John and Family, please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of John Sr. What a great man and truly a great friend to so many of us. God Bless you all!

Todd Burk Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Sorry to hear about the passing of John. As a young official he helped prepare me for future assignments. Hold on to the memories. God Bless you all in this time of mourning.

Mitch Mervosh Mar 09, 2025

Friend of Family ,Overland Park ,Kansas

John :: so sorry for your loss and the entire Mervosh family sends their thoughts and prayers.

William J Klecan Mar 09, 2025

Please accept my sympathies and prayers for the family. I was fortunate to know and officiate with him. Many memories attending many meetings together with his sidekick, Jim Knight. I was honored to know him. I will miss him. Hopefully God and Jesus has games for him to officiate.

Mark Kenney Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sorry for your loss John. Always tough to lose a parent. I’m thinking of you and your family. Mark

Donna McGuire Mar 09, 2025

friend

So sorry to hear about John’s death. He recruited me to officiate basketball, and I learned a great deal from him. Seemed to always have a smile on his face! Loved his upbeat attitude and wry smile. May he rest in peace. Condolences to his entire family.

John Blazek Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,Kansas

Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Remember the good times JD!

Fred Daniels Mar 09, 2025

John - May the peace of Jesus Christ rule in the hearts of your family members. Solace comes from his assurance of being in heaven and at rest with previous believers in Christ as our savior. Noah and I give thanks for your father who was also your mentor. He also served as a blessed example to others.

Dave Knight Mar 09, 2025

Friend ,olathe ,Kansas

John, so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always a pleasure to be around and work with. I was always hoping I could work as long as he did. Hanging around with the seniors was always rewarding. He will be missed. Prayers for your family

Kim Cronenwett Mar 09, 2025

I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing! It’s so hard to lose your Dad! Sending love and prayers to you all.

Dan Schierling Mar 10, 2025

John, sending my prayers to you and your family. I had the opportunity to work one of my first basketball sub states with your father. Don't know if I had more fun on the court or on the way home! A great man. God bless you all. Dan Schierling

Cary Funk Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Paola ,Kansas

Dehan Family - Krista and I send our deepest condolences. Sr. was a mentor to me in many ways, a true ambassador for the officiating community.

Emily Weeks Mar 10, 2025

John, Sending my heartfelt condolences. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.

Brian Sherwood Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Garden City ,Kansas

John, Matt and Steve.... growing up your Dad was one of the nicest and honorable man around. Prayers and thoughts to you and all of your family.

Fran Msrtin Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Topeka ,Kansas

John and family, You are in my prayers. John B. was a kind, caring man and touched many lives. Enjoyed him at all the basketball meetings, he and Jim had great stories. Remember the great times you shared. Losing a parent is so hard.

Ben Boothe Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

John and Jennifer, We are sorry for your loss and write to remind you that should you need anything, and please don't hesitate to let us know. Your father was a great man and a wonderful example for us all. The Boothes

Cartus Ray Rodgers Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Lees Summit ,Missouri

Loved This Man! He was just Simply A Good Person. I respected him greatly and always listened and learned from him! Prayers to the Family! God Bless!

Dean Byrom Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

John so sorry to hear about your dad. Tremendous gentleman and a blessing to many.

Heidi Bertoncin Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Your dad was a kind, wonderful man and a true conversationalist. He knew no strangers and was always smiling and laughing. Many fond memories of both he and Reva. You are all well loved by them. They were always proud of their sons. I am thinking of you.

Dan Woicke Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

John and family, I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing relationship between a father and his son! Those are the wonderful visions you will always hold dear to you. I will be praying that your sadness turns to joy every time you think of him.

John Beil Mar 10, 2025

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

Our condolences to the entire Dehan family for the passing of John. We hope that his long life of love and devotion to family provides comforting memories to his children and grandchildren. With sympathy, John and Lindsey Beil

Adam Woods Mar 10, 2025

Fellow Official ,Abilene formerly Louisburg, KS ,Kansas

John, I am so sorry to hear about your fathers passing my prayers go out to you and your family through this difficult time.

Ed Eichenberger Mar 11, 2025

Friend ,Pittsburg ,Kansas

John, worked many games with your Dad and Jim. Always has a great time. Will miss the visits.

Andrew J Fry Mar 11, 2025

John Sr certainly is leaving one heck of a legacy. Sending my deepest condolences to the family. God Bless

Tyree Mar 11, 2025

Fellow official ,Ottawa ,Kansas

Sorry for your loss

Don Herold Mar 11, 2025

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

So sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a friend on and off the court and a pleasure to know since the 80's. Peace be with all John's family.

Martha Lindsey Mar 11, 2025

friend ,Spring Hill ,Kansas

I was so sad to hear of John's passing, we had a lot of fun with Reva and John for many years! He will be missed by everyone, especially his family and friends!

Donnie Maher Mar 12, 2025

High school friends ,Wilmington ,Ohio

My most heart felt sorrow for the entire family.John was a great friend!! I will miss our conversations. So many great memories - not much we didn’t do.

Gary Pickert Mar 12, 2025

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Dehan family, so sorry for your loss.

Henry Graham Mar 13, 2025

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

So sorry for your loss. From the Graham family.

Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
Cure of Ars Catholic Church
Address:
9405 Mission Road
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66206
Date:
Mar 11, 2025
Time:
4:00 PM
Google Map:
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
Cure of Ars Catholic Church
Address:
9405 Mission Road
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66206
Date:
Mar 12, 2025
Time:
10:00 AM
Google Map: