1931 to 2023
James Earl French Sr. was born September 21, 1931 to John M. French and Lavera (Miller) French in Kansas City, MO. He was an older brother to LaVerna Norton, who proceeded him in death.
He was proceeded in death by his first wife, Nancy (Palmer) French, who was the mother of his children, Jim French of Texas, Shannon George (Randy) of Pleasant Valley, MO, John French of Excelsior Springs, MO, and Tom French, Excelsior Springs, MO. He was also proceeded in death by his second wife, Patricia (Carter), mother of son, Brian Cheek of FL, who also proceeded him in death, and son, Craig Cheek (Susan) of Neosho, MO. He has two granddaughters, two great grandsons, and three great granddaughters.
Earl was a corporal in the Marines serving during the Korean War based in Japan.
He worked for many years at Rosse Lithograph until his retirement and from there he volunteered for 17 years at Trinity Lutheran Hospital in Kansas City.
He and his wife Pat enjoyed gardening and attending garage sales. He enjoyed carpentry and would make many a birdhouse or wood cutouts that his wife Pat would paint for him. When he reached the point where he could no longer do carpentry work he enjoyed reading and walking his neighborhood, weather permitting. His favorite past time, in the last few years, was grilling and waving at his neighbors.
He made many a new friend just by grilling and chilling.
He will be missed by many.
Our Sincere Condolences
I shall miss our conversations cuz! I could always depend on you for the French ancestry information.
Have great memories of our early years together. Your family would come to our home of 40 acres, where we would all (approximately 8) disappear, to enjoy our time of adventure in the woods. Then returning to the home that my dad had made from a barn and eat all the wonderful food that was always prepared from scratch. Your mom, and dad always drove two cars to our home. Never figure that out, but suspected your dad had to make a stop at the legion in Riverside.
Then you brought your Nancy into our family. What a joy she was! When you finally decided you needed to move on, after Nancy’s early passing, you married Pat. Both of your late wives brought out your love in different ways. May God Rest Their Souls!
Through the years we always kept in touch because of YOU! I’m blessed to have been your cousin and thankful that you had your Shannon, because I now have a new friend/cousin .
Peace be with you and may God rest YOUR soul.
Ann
Will miss you dearly my friend, especially chatting with you in your garage as you were waving at everyone going by. You were such a sweet gentleman and great neighbor! It was a pleasure getting to know you and Pat after you moved to Kearney. You always gave me great life advice, gardening tips, and history lessons.
I will never forget you Earl!
Heather Schemmer
Our deepest condolences to the family of dear, Earl. He always had a smile, a wave, and a tomato to share during the growing season. The drive down Victory Lane will never be the same. Rest in Eternal Peace.
Scott and Jennifer
Our sympathy to the family. In the past, we have joined our daughter, Heather Schemmer, and Earl’s neighbors to sing Christmas carols to him Earl and Pat were both very good neighbors to Heather. She will greatly miss both of them. May both Earl and Pat rest in peace.
Margaret & Wayne Schemmer
