John Joseph Dardis was born on December 16, 1964, in Lawrence, KS. He died on March 25, 2017, in Shawnee Mission, KS. John was born with Down Syndrome and for 52 years his gentle soul graced the lives of others, especially his parents, Michael and Helen (Williams) Dardis, and his eight siblings.
After completing his high school equivalency education, John attended Day Services at Cottonwood, in Lawrence, KS, for 25 years. Following the death of his mother in 2013, he moved to Shawnee, KS, to live with his sister, Anne, and her family. He attended Day Services at Johnson County Developmental Supports (JCDS) in Lenexa, KS, from 2013-2017.
With the onset of Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, and his need for specialized care, in August 2016, he moved to Bethesda Lutheran Communities in Shawnee Mission, KS.
John died peacefully in the presence of family, as well as devoted staff from Bethesda Lutheran, JCDS, and Avalon Hospice. John’s family is comforted knowing he is in Heaven, reunited with his parents; sister, Kathy; niece, Lili; nephew, Brennan; and his beloved dog, Spot. Being with his mom, dad, and Kathy will be especially fun, as they were always amused with John’s feisty antics.
Forever touched by John’s life include his siblings: Mary Shuman (St. Joseph, MO); Patrick (Eudora, KS); Mark (Phoenix, AZ); Gregory (Ashburn, VA); Michael (Kansas City, KS); Jeffrey (Sacramento, CA) & Anne Perry (Shawnee, KS); siblings-in-law: Ross, Patricia, Melissa, Candace, Elizabeth & Daryl; nieces and nephews: Kelly, Aaron, Brie, Emily, Amanda, Travis, Andrew, David, Jacob & Alyssa; and great-nieces: Sarah, Jordan, Moriah & Bianca.
John will be remembered for having a sly crooked smile, while enjoying his favorite items (coffee, family photos, Mardi Gras beads, Barbies) and activities (riding around town listening to music, flirting, dancing, attending church, and laughing at others’ mishaps). Rather than Down Syndrome, “Up Syndrome” may have been more fitting for John, given his playful personality! Perhaps John’s legacy will be inspiring people to accept and appreciate those with disabilities.
Friends may call from 9 AM to 7:30 PM, Friday, March 31, 2017, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home in Lawrence, KS. The family will greet friends from 6 – 7:30 PM. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at 11:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora, KS. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.
Via the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, suggested memorials include: Friends of JCDS (specify “Retirement Program”), Bethesda Lutheran Communities (specify “ICF-Lenexa, KS”), or Avalon Hospice (specify “Lenexa, KS”).
Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
so sorry for your loss. I worked with John at JCDS several times and yes he was sweet and we had some laughs. He touched many lives and will be missed.
Prayers for strength to the entire family . . . I remember attending school with John, and he always did have an upbeat spirit.
I remember the first time I met John. I happened to have pictures of my niece and nephew to show off. He was thrilled with that and treated me like an honored guest; he made me feel very special. Over 30 years later I can still feel the warmth he shared with me. He certainly gave a lot to this world.
Babe and family are thinking of you all during this sad time. We’ll always remember John’s gentle nature.
John always made us smile and we will miss him terribly. We know that he will enjoy heaven without any disability since he was an angel on earth.
I enjoyed meeting and knowing John, he was a good man. My prayers of comfort to Anne and the family. God rest his soul.
Being a friend of Anne’s growing up, I remember John well. He was always very ornery (in a good way) and would always try to flirt! I know he brought a lot of happiness to the Dardis family and they are in my thoughts.
I will smile everytime I think of John and I will miss his grin, his gentle nature and his sweet and playful spirit. John touched my life and I miss him. As God has John embraced may he also embrace his loving family and friends. In my heart and prayers. Kyla
Anne and Family, You’re in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I will always remember John fondly and have wonderful memories of many times spent with your Mom and John in Lawrence. He leaves behind a wonderful family and I know you will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another. Take Care, Melissa Davis
We will miss John’s smile and playful spirit, along with his gentle ways. He was an imp whose sense of humor took us often by surprise. Our hearts go out to all the Dardis family who held him gently in their embrace and especially to Anne and her family who gave him a caring home in his later years.