1925 - 2013
John Louis Ames, 87 of Lawrence died January 5, 2013 at Brandon Woods at Alvamar.
John was born February 11, 1925 in Americus KS, the son of A.C. and Elvessa T. Ames.
John was a veteran of WWII and served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Monterrey in the
South Pacific.
John came to Lawrence in 1956 after teaching for five years in Burlingame KS. He taught at
Lawrence High School for 20 years. During that time he founded the distributive education
program and introduced accounting, business law and consumer economics. He also taught adult
education courses which led to his leading the Adult Basic Education program in 1976 until he
retired in 1988.
He was a life member of the Elks Lodge, the Masonic Lodge and a member of the American
Legion for more than 50 years. John was also active with the Boys State program in Kansas and
was a wonderful fund raiser for the organization.
He married Lois L. Mathew on December 14, 1945 in Arkansas City, KS. She survives of
the home.
Other survivors include a daughter, Paula Gaskill and her husband Stephen of Sacramento
California. They have three sons and six grandchildren. A son, Mark, of Columbia, MOi and
his wife Elizabeth Buhler Ames have three daughters.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in
Lawrence.
The family suggests memorials in his name be sent to the American Legion or the First
Presbyterian Church in Lawrence.
Guestbook Entries
Date: Jan 30, 2013
Name: B.L. (Godderz) Wymore
Entry: I just heard about Mr. Ames and was so sorry to hear the news. He was one of my very favorite teachers at Burlingame and sang at my wedding. My condolences to his family.
Date: Jan 13, 2013
Name: Steve and Terry Sapp
Entry: We just received this news and are so very sorry to hear it. I grew up with John and Lois across the street and they were great friends of my folks. There are so many good memories from LHS, the Elk's and the kitchen table... our most sincere condolences.
Date: Jan 13, 2013
Name: Steve and Terry Sapp
Entry: We just received this news and are so very sorry to hear it. I grew up with John and Lois across the street and they were great friends of my folks. There are so many good memories from LHS, the Elk's and the kitchen table... our most sincere condolences.
Date: Jan 11, 2013
Name: Sharon Wiggins
Entry: I worked at USD 497 when John was there. He always had a smile and when he came through our office, he had everyone else smiling too. I'm glad I got to know John. I know he will be missed by friends and family. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Dick Edmondson
Entry: John was a true friend who loved life, and everyone who knew him enjoyed him. He will be missed. Dick and Janice Edmondson
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Janet Reynolds Price
Entry: I am a LHS graduate and had Mr. Ames my 3 years of high school. It was his passion for numbers that made me love them. I am an accountant and I don't think I would be where I am today had I not been blessed with him as a teacher. He was an amazing teacher and friend to most of us. My heart goes out to all of his family.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Dulcy Green Spease
Entry: Dear Lois and family,
Thinking of you and remembering the good times. God bless!
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Jerry Williams
Entry: I first met John at the Lawrence Ks Elks Lodge # 595 he was innerguard.He was also the Exalted Ruler at my installation when i was Exalted Ruler 1989-1990 at Lawrence Lodge. We continued to be Life Members of BPOE #803 Ottawa Lodge. He will be missed by all of those that knew him.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Clara Owens Colvin
Entry: Dear Paula and entire family, I was so saddened to hear of your father's passing. He was always such a great guy at LHS even tho I didn't have him for any of my classes. He's is now in a better place and you can be assured that God will take good care of him. God bless you.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Wanda Knapp Howard
Entry: I'm from the class of '64' and had Mr. Ames all 3 years of High School. He was the GREATEST Teacher I had and played a big part in my life. I was a account for the State of Kansas for 25 years. My prayers are with the family, HE WAS A WONDERFUL MAN and TEACHER.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Dixie Shreves
Entry: Lois, Paula and family -
I was so sorry to hear about your loss. John was a wonderful man. Mom lives in Rapid City, SD, and I told her about him last night. We lost Dad in November. Mom and Dad always had such a great time at the Elks Club with the Ames and the Huysers. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Mom sends her condolences too.
Dixie Shreves, Omaha, NE
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Cleo Langley
Entry: John was one of the first to welcome me to USd 497. He was a wonderful man and friend. My prayers to all of your family. A great loss.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Doris Pratt
Entry: I was so sorry to read of your loss. We certainly did enjoy seeing you at the Elks and Legion. Since Bill passed away I hadn't gone to Legion. Do hope you are well, Lois. I send you my sympathy.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Pam and Connie Sickles
Entry: Lois, Paula, and Mark, Connie and I were so sorry to learn of John's passing. We always loved getting together at our childhood bar-b-ques and enjoying John's wonderful since of humor. We will always think of you all as our "wonderful neighbors." We will pray for your family that you will be comforted.
Love, Pam
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Dick Boyd
Entry: Lois, Loss is one of the most tragic and devastating things one can endure. I don’t like going through pain or loss of a close relative while not being able to do anything about it! Each of us cope differently, some cry over the loss, others smile because they know, they will see them again! Rest in peace John
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Carolyn Calhoun
Entry: Please accept my sincere condolences. May the words quoted from this song bring you a measure of comfort as it did for me.
………”If a man should die, can he live again?
Hear the promise God has made:
He will call; The dead will answer.
They shall live at his command.
For he will have a longing
For the work of his own hand.
So have faith, and do not wonder,
For our God can make us stand.
And we shall live forever,
As the work of his own hand ”(Job 14:13-15)
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Eloise Bornheim
Entry: I was one of those lucky enough to know him. I know he will be missed as he was a truly good man.
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Janis Reppart Humbert
Entry: I am so so sorry Aunt Lois, he will be so missed by all whoever was lucky enough to have known him. I tell everyone he is the FUNNY Uncle in the family! He was always so much fun! Love you,
Janis Humbert
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Michael Mathew
Entry: Aunt Lois, You know how much the rest of will miss him!
Sorry, misspelled email address!
mmathew1942@comcast.net
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Michael Mathew
Entry: I am one of his nephews and he was always my favorite uncle. He had a wicked sense of humor and was always teasing folks in a very gentle way and we were always happy to be around him. I will miss him almost as much as I miss my father whom he told me he admired greatly. A great loss and we will be here for Aunt Lois.
Michael Mathew
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Judy Tuckel Troupe
Entry: Dear Paula and Family, So sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was my favorite teacher at LHS.
Every time I balance my checkbook I think about his accounting class. You are in my prayers.
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Richard Bennett
Entry: John was a good man. He will be missed.
