OVERBROOK, Kan. – John Jay Fairchild passed away Aug. 31, 2023, at Brookside Retirement Community, Overbrook, Kan. He was born Aug. 2, 1948, in Topeka, Kan., to John Fairchild Sr., and raised by Don and Joyce Forth on a dairy farm east of Overbrook.

He graduated from Overbrook High School with the class of 1966. John served in the United States Navy from 1966 to 1968. After returning home, he later graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree. John had a successful career as an accountant, retiring from Prolor Industries as the CFO.

He was married to Connie Cooper, and they were blessed with two children, Scott and Julie.

On Dec. 23, 1989, he married his soul mate, Robin James. They shared 31 years of marriage before her death Aug. 11, 2021.

John will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of us and if you knew him, you knew it. John was strong-willed and stubborn at times. He also had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. He was generous, loyal, and brave. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all his life experiences. Because of his life experiences he was a good mentor. He cared deeply for the people around him. He was kind and passionate. I am not sure if he truly knew of the impact that he had on so many lives. If so, you would never know it. He impacted my life. He taught me how to look at people from different perspectives. Never criticize or judge them, to support them and to help them, simply because you did not know the cross that they had carried.

John was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Scott Fairchild; and his wife, Robin Fairchild.

Survivors include a daughter, Julie Cote’, of Ogden, Kan.; a sister, Laurie Shuck and her husband, Dave, of Overbrook; a brother, Mike Forth and his wife, Terri, Overbrook; a granddaughter, Eva Marie Allerheiligen and her husband, Chad, Topeka, Kan.; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Allerheiligen, Topeka; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Graveside services and inurnment will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Overbrook Cemetery, Overbrook.

Memorial contributions can be made to Overbrook American Legion Post 239, sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, PO Box 268, Overbrook, KS 66524. Condolences can be left at www.lamb-roberts.com.