John Leroy Krall, 102, of Liberty, MO peacefully passed away at home on September 9, 2024. Born in Liberty on February 14th, 1922, to John A. and Genevieve E. Krall, John grew up in Springfield, MO. He was the middle child with four sisters. He graduated from Springfield High School early and enrolled at the University of Missouri – Rolla in 1941 where he received a degree in Electrical Engineering.
During his sophomore year of college, John joined the U.S. Army, finishing his civilian courses while training for his military duties. He served in the Signal Corp as a Second Lieutenant during WWII, stationed in the Philippines and Japan. Upon returning home, John went to work for Kansas City Power and Light Co.; eventually working for GTE Sylvania as an Illuminating Engineer and Solutions Manager.
While overseas, John’s youngest sister Pat had let him know that she had his future wife picked out and not to even look at any other women. He obeyed orders and indeed met and proposed to his sister’s friend, Dorothy Jennings. They were married on November 1, 1947. They built their first home in Glenaire, a small village adjacent to Liberty. Later they moved to a beautiful stone house in Platte County, then built their dream home on 42 acres near Kearney, eventually moving back to Liberty. Family was the center of their life together, having three daughters: Janet, Jane, and Jody. John and Dorothy were truly wonderful parents. They made sure the girls’ lives were filled with love, laughter, fun vacations, and lots and lots of pets.
As they became grandparents, their devotion to family only grew. Everyone who knew John knew that he was the most caring husband, father, and grandfather a family could ask for. In retirement he dedicated himself to helping others. He volunteered at the Liberty Methodist Church and helped with the Liberty Christian Fellowship Snack Pack program, along with many other acts of kindness. During his final years, John was lovingly cared for by his youngest daughter, Jody, and his grandson, Jason.
John was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Krall, his father and mother, his sisters Kate, Margaret, and Jennie, and his son-in-law Darrel Fowler. He is survived by his sister Patricia Gradwold, daughters Janet Gross (Barry), Jane Boswell (Rick), and Jody Fowler. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Leslie Liautaud (Jimmy John), Stephanie Cahoon (Carl), Erin Christian, Carrie Gross, John Fowler (Rebecca), Jason Fowler, and Jordan Fowler; and 14 great-grandchildren: Spencer, Lucy, Fred, Vanessa, Cecilia, Chase, Parker, Charlie, Ella, Corbin, Conley, Evy, Edith, and Milo. All of whom will cherish his memory forever.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to In As Much Ministries. (https://www.inasmuchministry.org)
