John Charles Spainhour, age 60, passed away on Jan. 20, 2026. Born on Oct. 29, 1965, in Kingman. He was the son of the late Con R. and Barbara Ann Spainhour, formerly of Cheney.
John was a third generation graduate of Greensburg High School, and attended his parents' alma mater, the University of Kansas, before beginning his service in the United States Navy as a nuclear propulsion plant operator and mechanic. He served with distinction, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy “E” Ribbon, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.
While growing up in Greensburg, John loved operating the film projectors at the Twilight Theater, a community legacy founded by his great-grandfather, Charles. Throughout his life, John enjoyed working on any and all things mechanical, and was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.
John is survived by his children, Chelsa (Cody) Piland, Kristen (Dalton) Doyle, Benjamin Spainhour, and Kathryn Spainhour; his grandchildren, Peyton, Delilah, and Harper; his siblings, Sara (Robert) Jones, Julia (Rebecca) Spainhour, Kathryn (Russell) Neuenschwander, Martha (Scott) Lehner, Sam (Cari) Spainhour, and Suzanne (Brian) Gentry; and many nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Con and Barbara Spainhour; a sister, Elisabeth Spainhour; and a nephew, Con Walsh.
A private interment will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Greensburg, and a celebration of life service is planned for April 18 in Wichita.