John Patrick Mays, Age: 82
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Mar 03, 1943---Nov 28, 2025

A great man has passed.

While most knew him as Pat, he was born, John Patrick Mays, to Edwin and Catherine Mays, March 3, 1943.  He was raised on Karnes Boulevard, in Kansas City, MO, along with his brother, Denny.  He met his wife, Sharon, and married in 1964.  They shared 3 children, Frank, Kevin, and Pam.  He joined the Overland Park Fire Department in 1967.  His service and acumen, with details and people, led to his rise to Assistant Chief, for many years before moving to Chief of Services until his retirement, in 2000.  His impact on the OPFD was such that an award bearing his name is an honor bestowed, by the department, to others, who show extraordinary service.  While his commitment to his chosen profession was great, his family was his most cherished aspect in his life.  From his wife, to his great-grandchild; he was always ready and willing to assist in any form or fashion.  Ranging from painting a room, to fixing a faucet, to mowing a yard, to changing a diaper.  He made himself available. He is welcomed into heaven by his parents; brother; granddaughter, Layne; and Chloe’s late-husband, Cameron.  Each of his surviving family, Sharon, Frank (his spouse, Beth), Kevin (his spouse, Tamra), Pam (her spouse, Steve); Grandchildren: Chloe, Parker, Madison (her spouse, Trent), Jack, Jake, and Ben; and his great-grandson, Gerard; will miss him, greatly.  Additionally, his niece, nephews and their families; his sister-in-law, Kay (and her sons, Andy and Chris) are feeling the impact of his loss, heavily. His interests in model railroading, cooking, all things Disney, and working on projects sustained him, across his retirement from the Fire Department.  He even impacted many children as he drove a school bus, for Shawnee Mission Schools, for many years after stepping down from OPFD.  His life was enriched by his commitment to his faith.  He was a member of Holy Cross Church since 1975 and served as altar server well into his 70’s, for 7:30AM Mass, on Sundays.

His impact, on so many, has created a legacy that will last forever. We were all better for knowing this great man.

 

DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, FUNERAL SERVICES FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025 ARE CANCELLED. 

 

VISITATION HAS BEEN RESCEDULED FROM 9:30 AM TO 11 AM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2025 WITH FUNERAL MASS FOLLOWING AT 11:00 AM AT ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 14251 NALL AVE, LEAWOOD, KS 66223.  

INTERMENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT RESURRECTION CEMETERY, LENEXA, KANSAS.


Condolences

Bob Audley Dec 02, 2025

Friend from the old neighborhood ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Pat was the ultimate “good guy”. Heaven is enhanced with his presence. I can only smile at the name of Pat Mays.

Michael Audley Dec 02, 2025

Friend and neighbor ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Am shocked from head to toe. Pat's physical death, does not interrupt Eternity. Death ends a physical life, not our Relationship. Heartfelt feelings of sadness to each of Pat's, family.

John Cunneen Dec 02, 2025

Friend, classmate ,Tyler ,Texas

To (I always called him Pat.) and his Family. I hadn’t seen Pat in 15 years. He was a very close Friend of mine all through School at Redemptorist School & Church. He was so respected by everyone that ever knew him, and he had that smile for anyone friend or foe( of which I don’t think he could have had anyone not like this great guy.) I am so sorry for his Family and close friends and wish I were closer to KC to honor and Pray for his wonderful life and respect for his relatives. My Thoughts & Prayers John Cunneen

Paul Carney Dec 03, 2025

OP Fire Department ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I worked for Chief Mays for many years. He was a wonderful giving person. I’ve never known a nicer man! Rest in peace, Pat.

Tim Byrnes Dec 03, 2025

Employee ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I met Chief Mays through my parents. They shared numerous accounts of his generosity, dedication, and his caring nature to everyone he encountered. I started as a Volunteer with OPFD. I was employed full time. I had the opportunity to work with Chief Mays. In my retirement I the honor to speed Monday's enjoying our retirement group breakfast with Pat. He was truly a great man. Godspeed and Rest in Peace Pat

Chuck Bloom Dec 03, 2025

Fellow Father-in-Law ,Centennial ,Colorado

I have known, admired and loved Pat for close to 40 years and been his Fellow Father-In-Law for 36 years, as our son Steve was lucky enough to marry his daughter Pam in 1989. I’ve known many wonderful people in my long life but none better than Pat. He was a very rare man and the world needs billions more with his qualities. Pat, I love you Brother.

Darrell and Gracie Roche’ Dec 05, 2025

Cousin ,Olathe ,Kansas

Sharon I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with you always.

Tim Lynch Dec 06, 2025

Work colleague ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My condolences to Pats family. I've read the other condolences & everyone of them captured the qualities of this great public servant. As a member of the OP Police Department, I had the pleasure & honor to work with Pat for many years, on many projects of mutual interest for both of our departments & citizens. May be rest in peace.

Jim Tomlen Dec 08, 2025

Friend ,Leawood ,Kansas

My condolences to Pats family. I lived off Karnes and was a friend of Pats from our teen years. Visited with him many times at Stacks Drug Store. In fact Pat was in my wedding in 1965. Have memories of having a few beers with Pat on his front porch and even chasing the sound of a fire truck. I took my children to visit Pat at his fire station and he gave them a personal tour. I was able to catch up with Pat at some of the church socials. Always was a great visit. I know you all will miss him greatly as will I. A very very fine man.

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Services

Event:
Visitation
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
Dec 20, 2025
Time:
9:30 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Event:
Funeral Mass
Location:
St. Michael the Archangel
Address:
14251 Nall Avenue
City:
Leawood
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66223
Date:
Dec 20, 2025
Time:
11:00 AM
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map