John Robert Neihouse, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Salina, Kansas, on April 7, 2026. Born on January 31, 1940, at St. John’s Hospital in Salina, John was the son of John Bernard and Inez Ella (Foulke) Neihouse.

His arrival was a celebrated milestone for the Neihouse family, as he was the first boy following six older sisters. Growing up as the first brother in a family that would eventually include thirteen children, even though he was spoiled rotten, John developed a unique blend of patience, humor, and a deep devotion to his family.

John followed his older sisters to Sacred Heart High School, graduating with the Class of 1958. A standout athlete, he pursued his deep love of baseball and was honored with an invitation to spring training with the Boston Red Sox shortly after graduation. When his dreams of playing Major League baseball didn’t pan out, John joined the Army Reserve in 1962, serving his country honorably until 1968. During this period, his career led him to Lincoln, Nebraska, where he worked for the Burlington Railroad. It was here that he met Carolyn Drake. The two were married in 1968, and two sons were born to this union: Sean Michael and Christopher Drake.

John eventually built a long-standing career in printing and advertising, working in the industry until his retirement in 2010. He was an avid sports enthusiast who took great pride in following his brother Jim’s successful track and field career at the University of Kansas, sparking a lifelong passion for all Jayhawk athletics. John’s own love for the game kept him on the field well into his 50s playing slow-pitch softball, and he loved to coach and watch his sons compete in their own sporting events.

In his retirement, John enjoyed traveling with his siblings to visit family members. However, his truest passion later in life was his grandchildren. Affectionately dubbed “Grandpa Toys” and “Papa,” these were titles he carried with immense pride until his passing. Above all, his family and his Catholic faith meant everything to him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Inez; his sisters and their spouses: Margaret and Ernie Bruce, Marie and Lyle Lewis, Joan and Leo Lust, Kate Billinger, Sister Pat Neihouse, Betty and Bob Hoggatt, Judy Wooldridge, Mary Louise Neihouse, Jan Neihouse, John Gross, and Craig Parker. He was also preceded by his in-laws: Bud and Velma Drake, Janice and Larry Breemes, Allen Drake, George and JoAnn Roesler, Doug Drake, and John Drake.

John’s memory will be cherished by Carolyn Neihouse; his son Sean and wife Alex Neihouse and their children Jack, Jake, Emma, Allie, and Mae, along with Sara Hollrah, mother of Jack, Emma, and Allie; and his son Christopher and wife Robin Neihouse and their children Natalie, Fiona, and Everley (Papa’s “partner in crime”). He is also survived by his siblings: Virginia Gross, Jim (Karla) Neihouse, Gerry Parker, and Jim Billinger; and his in-laws: Kathy and James Brueggemann, Bruce Drake, Rhonda and Daryl Drewes, Brad and Kathy Drake, Barb and Bob Vnoucek, Denise and Frank Myers, Mary Drake, Barb Drake, Ruth Drake, and Lori Drake and his many, many, many  nieces and nephews.

Service Information:

Visitation: Sunday, April 12th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ryan Mortuary.

Rosary: Sunday, April 12th, beginning at 7:00 PM following the visitation.

Funeral Service: Monday, April 13th, Beginning at 10:30am at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Burial: Following the service at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Salina Downtown Lions Club, in care of Ryan Mortuary.