John Clark McKeever, a respected figure in the Kansas City grocery industry and a dedicated community leader, passed away on January 1, 2025, after a battle with COPD. His life, spanning nearly a century, was marked by entrepreneurial success, deep community involvement, and a strong commitment to his family. John Mckeever’s legacy is remembered through his contributions to the grocery business and his philanthropic endeavors.
Born on September 2, 1925, in Holt, Kansas, John McKeever’s early life laid the foundation for a remarkable career. He married Geneva Dyer before serving in the Army from 1944 to 1946. His military service stationed him in Texas, after which he and Geneva moved to Topeka, Kansas. There, John McKeever began working as a claims adjustor for Santa Fe Railroad while simultaneously pursuing business studies. His entry into the grocery sector was initially through assisting his father-in-law, an experience that would shape his professional trajectory.
The 1950s marked the beginning of John McKeever’s long and impactful journey in the grocery business. He joined Fleming Companies, where he honed his retail expertise. His career progressed as he took on a role with Waldon Sales from 1961 to 1962. Subsequently, John McKeever was recruited by Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) in 1962, where he remained until 1974. This period at AWG was crucial in solidifying his deep understanding of the wholesale grocery industry and preparing him for his entrepreneurial pursuits.
In 1974, John McKeever achieved a significant milestone by realizing his aspiration of owning and operating his own grocery store. He partnered with Jim Queen, a lifelong friend, in Paola, Kansas, marking his transition from employee to business owner. This venture was a testament to John McKeever’s ambition and business acumen.
Further expanding his entrepreneurial footprint, 1978 saw John McKeever partnering with his sons, Alan and Gary, to establish the first McKeever’s Price Chopper location. This family business venture became a cornerstone of the Kansas City grocery landscape, reflecting John McKeever’s vision and dedication to providing quality service and products. McKeever’s Price Chopper grew to become a recognized and respected brand in the region, a direct result of John McKeever’s leadership and commitment.
Beyond his business achievements, John McKeever was deeply committed to community service. His dedication was evident through his active participation on several boards, including the AWG Board of Directors, AWG Finance Committee, Baptist Memorial Hospital Board, Excelsior Springs Hospital Board, and Louisburg Bank Board. His contributions were recognized when he was honored as the 1996 Missouri Retail Grocer of the Year and received the Lou Fox Award. John McKeever took immense pride in his role as a businessman and consistently sought opportunities to leverage his position and resources to improve communities across the Greater Kansas City area. His philanthropic focus was particularly directed towards the needy in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, where he consistently supported the Excelsior Springs Hospital and Good Samaritan Center through regular donations and fundraising efforts.
John McKeever was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Geneva, in 2013. He later remarried Nancy Prior in 2016. He is survived by his sons Gary and Alan, daughter-in-law Debbie, brother Ray McKeever, six grandchildren – Aron, Natalie, Amanda, Stephanie, Tracy, and Kerry – along with their spouses, and seven great-grandchildren. John McKeever’s family will deeply miss his presence, cherishing his memory and the values he instilled.
A public visitation to honor John McKeever will be held on Saturday, January 11, from 11 am to 1 pm at Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, located at 13720 Roe Avenue. Following the visitation, a private graveside service will be held at the indoor mausoleum at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. John McKeever’s life and legacy will be remembered by his family, friends, and the numerous communities he impacted through his business leadership and philanthropic spirit.
