John Merritt Webster, Jr. was born on November 23, 1945, in Vallejo, California. His death was recorded on August 27, 2022, in Kansas City, Missouri. John was the son of Audrey Grady Webster and John Merritt Webster. His father was a lieutenant in the United States Navy at the time of John’s birth. The family subsequently moved to Kansas City, Missouri. John had two younger siblings, Nancy and Peter. In 1964, he graduated from the Pembroke-Country Day School. John was an athlete who played football, basketball, golf, and tennis during his high school years. He remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. John was a Jewel Ball escort in 1965. He earned a degree in business from Parsons College in Iowa in 1968.
John was a motorcyclist and, with several friends, cycled across Europe on more than one occasion. For several years, John worked with his father in the wholesale lumber business. His career also included stints in banking and real estate. John married Sherry Lee Turner in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on October 4, 1980. The couple had one son. John’s charm was his unending curiosity and engaging personality. Anyone who met him was made to feel like the most important person in the room — every time.
John was predeceased by his parents, Audrey Grady Webster and John Merritt Webster; his in-laws, Mary Frances Perkins Turner and James Earle Turner; and his son, John Merritt Webster IV. His survivors include his wife, Sherry Lee Turner Webster; his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Peter Menihan; his brother, Peter Webster; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Pam and Bob McCausland; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Jo Ann Turner, Denise Turner; and his many nieces and nephews. John was a dog lover, most recently of Gatsby, who also predeceased him.
In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pembroke Hill School (c/o John M. Webster IV Memorial Fund in support of PHS lacrosse and suicide awareness) are suggested:
Pembroke Hill School Office of Development
Kansas City, Missouri 64112 or made online at https://www.pembrokehill.
“People will forget what you said /
People will forget what you did /
People will never forget how you made them feel.”
— Maya Angelou
We truly cared for John and are quite saddened to hear of his passing. What a great guy. Love to you, Sherry Lee
John was, indeed, a beautiful and caring soul. Cliff and I loved having dinner with you two this past June. I hadn’t seen John in a few years, but it was as if we were old friends. His smile and engaging conversation filled the room with warmth and love. Rest in peace, sweet John. We love you, Sherry. God’s blessings to you.
To you all, I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing. What a great guy he was and I’m so glad I got to see and talk to him at out 50th reunion at Davids house. My deepest sympathy and prayer go out to you all. Always Terry
Our Brookside neighborhood continues to thin out and those of us left to grieve have to carry things until its our turn to go. Knowing of your immense sadness and the strength it takes to live it through, doesn’t lessen yours, but we do sincerely care. I hope for peace for all of you.
Nancy,
Bobby and I send our condolences to you and your family.
Love to you all, Jenny
I am saddened by the news of John’s death. It was wonderful to catch up with him at the PemDay/Sunset reunions at the Gibsons. He always so positive. John will be missed.
I am very sorry to know John has passed away. He uniquely made all those in his company feel welcome and glad to see him. I miss him even though I saw him infrequently but I remember vividly his positive personality that made me alwyas glad to see him . My prayers are for Sherry’s comfort at this difficult time.
Sherry, I’m so sorry about John’s passing. I’ll be thinking of you.
Sherry, I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew John quite well in high school and the Jewel Ball. He was such a fun, crazy guy which I loved.
One of the best!!