John Joseph Witmer, son of Joseph Raymond and Fern (May) Witmer, was born September 28, 1931 in Phillipsburg, KS and departed this life on April 27, 2020 at the Phillips County Hospital at the age of 88.

Jack graduated from Phillipsburg High School with the class of 1949, and from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy in 1953. After college graduation he was drafted into the Army. He served his country at Letterman Army Hospital in San Francisco, and then was sent overseas to the Korean conflict.

Before he was shipped off to Korea, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Helen Kuiken. They were united in marriage at the United Methodist Church in Phillipsburg on March 14, 1954. From this union two children were born Valissa Kay & Eric Ray.

Jack was sent to Korea and worked as a lab technician at the 44th M.A.S.H. Unit. He served until being discharged in May of 1955.

Upon his return home, Jack joined his father, Raymond at the Witmer Drug Store. Following the death of his father, in 1978, Jack worked for many years without even a day off. But Helen was always there, right by his side. In 1998, Jack received the Bowl of Hygeia Award, which is given to only 1 pharmacist from each of the 50 states for excellence in community pharmacy service. He was rewarded with an all expense trip to Philadelphia by the Wyeth-Ayerst Drug Company, which sponsored the award.

Following the sale of the drug store in 1997, to his son Eric & partner Steve Schick, Jack did relief work at 8 different area pharmacies until he retired for good in 2006. He maintained his pharmacy license for 53 years.

He attended weekly Hospice meetings as well as driving patients to area hospitals for medical treatments. Jack was a member of the United Methodist Church, where he served on various committees and was a choir member for over 40 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Job's Daughters, and a member of Pleiades Chapter #168 order of the Eastern Star. Jack was a life member of the KU Alumni Association, Elk's Club, Kansas Pharmacists Association, V.F.W. and National Association of Retail Pharmacists. He was a board member & chairman of the Westview Housing Authority.

Jack especially enjoyed the times he spent with his grandchildren and was proud of all their accomplishments. They were the love of his life.

Jack made many friends during his lifetime. He enjoyed golfing, the 9:30 coffee bunch, his poker group, and of course...his love for KU Basketball.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to morn in passing his wife Helen of the home, daughter Valissa Witmer & spouse Gloriana Hunter of Phoenix, AZ; son Eric Witmer & wife Susan of Phillipsburg; three grandchildren Malorie, Kyle & Macye Witmer, several cousins, nieces, nephews & a host of many friends.

Private family services were held Friday, May 1, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the United Methodist Church with Pastor Blake Stanwood officiating.  Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

The service were streamed live on the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Witmer Family Pharmacy Scholarship at KU or the Phillipsburg Golf Club.

Link to funeral service for Jack:  https://www.facebook.com/158648587502325/videos/1172727253065376/