John Edward Mumford

John Edward Mumford

August 27, 1950 – September 17, 2026

John Edward Mumford, age 76, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on September 17, 2026, at his residence in Lawrence. He was born on August 27, 1950, in Lawrence, Kansas, to Robert Mumford Sr. and Mildred Elizabeth Brown Mumford.

John lived a life marked by independence, hard work, service, and a willingness to step forward when he was needed. He attended public schools in Lawrence growing up, establishing deep roots in the community. As a young man, he also attended school at the University of Kansas (KU) and worked at the university, contributing his time and talents to the campus.

His life would take him from working on a local farm to serving his country, building relationships with people throughout his community, and dedicating part of his working life to supporting people with disabilities. Among his fondest memories from his younger years was his beloved white Pekingese dog, White Blossom, who brought much joy to his early life.

As a young man, John voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army and served for three years. His military journey began at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he completed jump school and became a paratrooper. After leaving Fort Benning and spending a short time back home, John was sent to Vietnam.

During his military service, John worked with tanks and transportation vehicles and later served at Fort Hood, where his duties included working with tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs). His years in the Army became an important chapter in a much larger life story. John completed his military service and returned to civilian life in 1973.

John was a hardworking man who was never afraid of an honest day's work. Among the many chapters of his working life, he worked on a farm and was associated with Independent Incorporated, where his work included serving and supporting people with disabilities. His life brought him into contact with many people who became part of his story, including Mother McCoy, the Vogel family, and Nancy Vogel, a former teacher connected with Fort Hays.

Throughout the years, family remained woven into John's story. Names such as Liz, Cheryl, and the Mumford, Brown, Fowler, Matthews, Jenkins, Jackson, Quarles, Tolbert, and Horton families are all part of the people and relationships that helped make up the fabric of his life.

John was reunited in death with his parents, Robert Mumford Sr. and Mildred Elizabeth Brown Mumford. He was also preceded in death by his beloved brothers and sisters: Robert Mumford Jr., Marvin Mumford, Kathryn Virginia Mumford Jefferson, Eleanor Louise Mumford Fowler, and Donald Dean Mumford.

John’s memory will be cherished by those he leaves behind. He is survived by his beloved brother, Dale Eugene Mumford (Yvonne), and the parents of his wife, Yvonne. He also leaves behind a legacy of love through his nieces and nephews: Melissa Mumford Jefferson (Tony), Michelle Mumford Hutcherson (Kevin), Monica Mumford Wills (LD), Nicole Mumford Clarke (Chris), Kevin Jones (Charity), Tiffany Mumford, Michael Jefferson, Maurice Jefferson, Shalaun Mumford, and Robert Mumford (Andrea), along with a host of many great-nieces and great-nephews.

From the farm to the Army, from becoming a paratrooper to serving in Vietnam, and from military service to a life of work and service to others, John's story is one of a man who experienced much, worked hard, served his country, and made his own way through life.

His was a life with many chapters—and each story he shared gave his family another glimpse into the experiences, people, places, and memories that made John the man they knew and loved.

Services for John will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 26th at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, KS.

An inurnment will follow at 9:00 AM on Monday, September 28th at Leavenworth National Cemetery in Leavenworth, KS.