John Richard Housel Sr.

John Richard Housel Sr., known to many as “Big John” of Cherryvale Kansas passed away May 14that Coffeyville Regional Medical Center after courageously battling Alzheimer’s and Cancer. He was 81 years old.
John was born October 13th, 1938 to Theodore and Pauline (Morris) Housel. He graduated Cherryvale High School, class of 1957. John loved and married 3 amazing women, Carol Sue Mangan, Twila Jean Moore, and Jeanne Marie Gragg. Together their love blended a family of 8 children.
John had an entrepreneurial spirit and a creative mind. He founded Housel-Miller, Inc. and patented the Housel Hub in 1973. During the big oil-boom of the 80’s he began several business ventures. Listing just a few; Diamond Oil, Inc., Central States, Inc., Mar-John Drilling, Inc., Jo-Con, Inc. and Cherryvale Well Service. In his free time John’s passion was fishing. He was known as a bit of a “River Rat” because his favorite fishing spot was the Chetopa River.
John lived life his own way, much like one of his favorite singers, Johnny Cash, you could say that the sinners considered him a saint and the saints considered him a sinner. To those that loved him he was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
John was preceded in death by 2 wives Carol and Twila, son Mark “Chopper” Housel of Cherryvale Ks, daughter Shannon Gragg Cherryvale Ks, granddaughter Johna Housel Cherryvale Ks, his parents Pauline & Theodore of Cherryvale Ks, sister Evelyn Fink of Grove Okla., brother Charles Housel of Independence Ks, and brother Mike Housel of Cherryvale Ks.
He is survived by his sister Molly Parker of Cherryvale Ks, brother Bob (Rose) Housel of Cherryvale Ks, brother Ted (Sonja) Housel of Cherryvale Ks, son Tim (Shana) Housel of Coffeyville Ks, son Jeff (Kathy) Housel of Edna, Ks, son John “Johnny”(Janie) Housel, Jr., Cherryvale Ks, daughter Vicki Housel of Las Vegas NV, daughter Kimberly Harris, of Independence Ks, daughter Melissa Gragg of Lenexa Ks, as well as, 19 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place with the family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Thursday May 21, 2020 at First Southern Baptist Church, 717 East 6th, Cherryvale, Kansas with social distancing observed due to current Covid 19 situation.
Private Family Memorial Services will be held 10:30 A.M., Friday, May 22, 2020 also at the church.
Public Graveside services will be held 11:30 A.M., Friday, May 22, 2020 at Fairview Cemetery in Cherryvale with social distancing also being observed.
Memorial remembrances are suggested to the John Richard Housel Sr. Memorial Fund to help establish a memorial at the river in Chetopa, Kansas. Memorials can be sent or mailed to Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas 67335.