John L. Santos

John L. Santos, 81, of Parsons, passed away the afternoon of Friday, April 3, 2026, at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa.

John Lee Santos was born on July 6, 1945, to William L. and Angela M. (Asebedo) Santos in Parsons, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Parsons, graduating from Parsons High School in 1964.

From 1965 to 1967, John honorably served in the United States Army, spending one year in Vietnam during which he was awarded two decorations for his service. He continued his education at Neosho Community College, Wichita State University and then attended the police academy through University of Kansas.

John worked for the Parsons Police Department and the Labette County Attorney’s Office. Until his retirement due to disability in 1991, he was an engineer for the Katy Railroad and then Union Pacific.

He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Over the years, John was active in the Parsons community. He served on the city Planning Commission. He was also a past Post Commander of the Brown-Bishop, VFW Post 704 in Parsons.

One of his favorite pastimes was fishing.

He is survived by his niece, Mary Jo Durkin, and her husband, Brian, of Parsons.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gay, on July 21, 2025; and sister, Mary Frances Ramirez.

There will be a private family inurnment at Oakwood Cemetery in Parsons.