28 May KGFA Mourns the Passing of Former Chairman John Severe
John William Severe, age 90, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. John was born December 28, 1934, in Davis County, Missouri to Opal Lois West Severe and John Edmond Severe.
He served as chairman of the Kansas Grain and Feed Association from 1977-78 and was a member of the board of directors from 1972-1984.
John left Pattonsburg, Missouri at the age of 17 with $10.00 in his pocket and headed for Kansas City, Missouri to start his life and business in the Grain industry. His first job was with Kansas City Board of Trade and then later with Simon, Shields and Thies and then Meservy Grain.
In 1964 he moved to Wichita, Kansas and joined Western Grain Inc. where he was an Office Manager and later President. He worked there for over 50 years before retiring.
John married Lucille Harmon on May 9, 1954 at the Methodist Church of Pattonsburg, Missouri. They recently celebrated 71 years of wedded bliss.
John loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also loved traveling with his wife, Lucille, on 34 cruises and many RV trips.
John is survived by his wife, Lucille Severe; sons John Gregory Severe and Kevin E. Severe (Connie); grandchildren Montana Severe, John Luke Severe, Tricia Morrison (Patrick), Stephanie Severe, Matt Severe, and Lizzy Severe; and great grandchildren Braxton, Laekyn, and Kohen.
John was preceded in death by his father John Edmond Severe; mother Opal Lois West Severe; and siblings Kenneth Lee Severe, Jack Marine Severe, and Juanita Lois Hulett.
A private family service will held at a later date.