John Melvin Carothers was born March 9, 1943 in Anthony, Kansas, son of Otto and Bessie J. (Whitelaw) Carothers.  He graduated from Anthony High School with the Class of 1961.

On February 25, 1964, John was inducted into the United States Army in Fort Hamilton, New York.  During this time, John served as a medic in Berlin, Germany.  He received his Expert Rifle, National Defense and Army of Occupation (Berlin) medals.  He was honorably discharged on February 17, 1967 in Kansas City, Missouri.

On June 22, 1968, John was united in marriage with Mary Rohr in St. Peter, Kansas.  This union was blessed with two daughters, Tamara and Kendra.  The family made their home in Anthony, Kansas.

Growing up on a farm northeast of Anthony, John had a passion for farming his entire life.  He harvested wheat and raised cattle for many years before retiring.  He was a member of Anthony Farmers Coop and for many years, Anthony Farm Bureau.

John had a knack for connecting with people and no matter where he was, he would make a new acquaintance and enjoy good conversation.  He and Mary bowled and golfed together and were members of the Anthony Golf Club.  John also enjoyed time with his friends, playing cards at the pool hall and having "choir practice" aka poker night.

John's greatest accomplishment and joy in life was his family.  He loved going to the zoo with his girls and later the grandkids.  The girls remember vacations to Colorado to go skiing and sight-seeing and memorable trips to the Kansas State Fair where John's mischievous side came out and he enjoyed scaring them on the Old Mill ride.

On October 13, 2023, John passed away peacefully in Wichita, Kansas with his family by his side, at the age of 80.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary on July 29, 2020; and his half-sister, Constance "Connie" Brown.

John will be deeply missed by his daughters, Tamara (Josh) Brooks and Kendra (Tracy Harris) Carothers; grandchildren:  Makenzie Barker, Jaelin Brooks, and Carson Brooks; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas with Brandon Gerber officiating.  Military interment will follow at Forest Park Cemetery, Anthony.  Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of John may be made to Country Living Inc. or the Anthony Golf Course and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.