John Lawrence Cheray was born May 1, 1932, to Alphonse and Mary Rilinger Cheray in Seneca, KS. He passed on May 5, 2022, at his home. John graduated from St. Mary’s High School, St. Benedict, KS, in 1950. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1955. He married Mary Lou Tanking on December 29, 1958, at St. James Catholic Church in Wetmore, KS. John was employed in the construction business until 1968. He began working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company until he retired in 1994. John was a founding member of Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church. John was an avid fisherman, going to Minnesota each summer to fish in their lakes. He also loved to do gardening, raising many fruits and veggies. His homemade wine was an enjoyment to him, giving his friends and family a glass of wine when they stopped by. John is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Tanking Cheray; children, David (Kathae), Stephen (Lois), Sharon Urban (Charles), and Teresa Spaulding (Rick); grandchildren, Cassidy Cheray, Ashlyn Yarnell, Jennifer Thomsen, Eric Cheray, Tanner Spaulding, and Mackenzie Spaulding; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Joe Cheray, and sisters, Teresa Marie, Juliana McBride and Mary Ann Osterhaus. Services will be on Tuesday, May 10th, at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th Street, Topeka KS 66618. Visitation will be at 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Nemaha County Training Center, 12 S 11th Street, Seneca KS 66538, or to Phoenix Home Care & Hospice, 6803 W 64th Street, Suite 101, Overland Park KS 66202. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.
John Lawrence Cheray was born May 1, 1932, to Alphonse and Mary Rilinger Cheray in Seneca, KS. He passed on May 5, 2022, at his home. John graduated from St. Mary’s High School, St. Benedict, KS, in 1950. He served in the United States... View Obituary & Service Information