John Wayne Priest, age 85, of Oklahoma City, OK and lifelong resident of Elkhart, KS passed away peacefully Sunday, March 5, 2023 at his apartment in The Vitality Living Village. He was born March 29, 1937 in Wilburton, KS, the son of Edgar Woodrow and Agnes Louise (Kemp) Priest.
John Wayne or better known as JW, Dub, or the Duke spent most of his life in Elkhart, but also spent time during WWII in Bainbridge Island, WA, Leonard, MO and Hastings, NE. He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1955 and spent a semester at Hutchinson Junior College until his love of cars took priority causing him to leave college early to buy a cherry red Chevy convertible! He worked with his father, Woody, at the Kemp Priest Oil Company gaining experience working with small engines. He was drafted into the US Army and served for 2 years, 1 month, and 29 days, primarily in Fort Bragg, NC as a mechanic, furthering his knowledge of engines.
He was a hard worker and earned accolades for his high level of reliability, expertise, and leadership skills. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Elkhart to work with his dad until he later became a long time employee of Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company as a Maintenance Mechanic and supervisor. While on the job, he built several tools to help with the work on the engines and traveled to other sites in Colorado to instruct in their use. Upon retirement from Panhandle, he couldn’t sit idle long. He was well known for his ability to repair nearly everything and spent his time fixing car engines, lawn mowers, and appliances, often without pay. He later decided to return to work as a Service Technician for Aquila/Blackhills and learned even more about repairing appliances, furnaces, and air conditioning. He earned several special certifications throughout his career to gain further expertise in his field.

JW married Nancy Carol Horton on September 28, 1964. JW and Nancy raised their 3 children in Elkhart. He loved spending time with his immediate and extended family. He enjoyed driving and could often be seen “cruising main” with his family in tow with cold cokes and ice creams to be enjoyed. Later, he was happy to cruise around town on his four wheel scooter so that he could socialize. JW didn’t know a stranger, making friends wherever he went and often catching people up in a lengthy conversation as he loved to talk! As his health began to fail, it was necessary for him to leave Elkhart. He moved to Oklahoma City in June of 2022 to be near his eldest daughter and her family. He thrived in his new apartment and happily joined in with every craft, social, music group that was occurring each day. He loved looking at the pond beyond his bedroom window enjoying the swans, geese, ducks, birds, and squirrels. And as he always did, he made many new friends. He loved being near family again and treasured the visits from all who came to visit. He was a selfless, loving, generous, kind, and happy man and he will be missed by those who loved him.

Survivors include daughters, Traci Taylor and husband Harve of Edmond, Oklahoma, Johna Cabrera and husband Anthony of Loveland, Colorado; son, Shannon Priest and wife Amy of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; aunt, Georgia (Jo) Webrand of Matthew, North Carolina; sister Mary Forinash and husband Delbert of Eva, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Dora Olivares and husband Sergio, Megan Gibler and husband Aaron, Sarah Lacy and husband Justin, Jordan Cabrera and wife Katie, Jaxon and Jarett Cabrera, Alexis and Ryan Priest and six great-grandchildren, Taylor, Nia, David and Sophie Olivares, and Bennett and Addilyn Gibler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Priest; parents Woody & Louise Priest; and a brother, Lynn Priest.

Graveside service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Elkhart Cemetery with Reverend Terrell Giddens officiating. Military rites will be conducted by Ft. Riley Honor Guard and American Legion 8th District Honor Guard. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM on Saturday morning, March 11, 2023 at Garnand Funeral Home in Elkhart, Kansas.

The Elkhart Senior Center played an instrumental role in allowing JW to remain in Elkhart for as long as he did by providing meals, socialization, and transportation. JW and his family would be honored if you would send memorials in lieu of flowers to the Elkhart Senior Center in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.