John Wayne Poke I

Life Reflection

John Wayne Poke, I was born in Kansas City, Kansas, to William Poke and Berthan (Poke) Nelson on August 12, 1951. John passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at his home in Kansas City, Kansas.

He served in the Marines as an E-5, SGT. Military Police Officer. He was dedicated to helping others and continued serving in the Wyandotte County Sherriff’s Department after his tenure with the Marines. Because of his love and support for those who served in the military, he volunteered to provide security at Highland Park Cemetery on Memorial Day for many years. He also worked as a Security Guard at Indian Springs AMC Theatre and Sumner Academy. 

John endeavored to become an entrepreneur and sold Tupperware and Avon for many years and became a top seller in both. On February 14, 1999, John married his perfect mate, Terry. Together, they launched “John and Terry’s Travel Tours.” For several years they scheduled bus trips to casinos throughout the Midwest, entertaining their customers with John’s jokes and stories.    

In 2006, John retired from InteliMail, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren quickly flocked to spend time with him. They ensured that he would never have a dull moment. Although there were times, he and Terry probably wished for moments to themselves, their home was always open and ready to make memories full of love and laughter.

John was a member of the Tuesday Night Brother’s card group. He was also lovingly known for his stories and his jokes. He shared stories of his childhood, time in the Marines, and stories about his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. John was also prepared to tell a good ole joke to anyone who would listen. He had all kinds of jokes, naughty, good, and bad. To know John and spend time with him was a moment filled with laughter, maybe some singing, dancing, and if you had just met him, it was the beginning of a new friendship.

John leaves to mourn his wife of over twenty-three years, Terry Poke of Kansas City, Kansas, four children, Kimberly McDonald (Duane Young) of Kansas City, Missouri, Carlotte Lindsey (Arlie III) of Leavenworth, Kansas, William Poke Sr. (Kia) of Kansas City, Missouri, and John Wayne, Poke II (Jennifer) of Kansas City, Kansas. He also leaves to mourn fifteen siblings; Creacie White and JoAnn White of Detroit, Michigan, Charles Dodd, Sr. of Kansas City, Kansas, Clyde Hunter (Toni) of Killeen, Texas, Aola Poke Rawlins (Benny) of Kansas City, Kansas, Keith Douglas of Atlanta, Georgia, Mildred Haynes of Atlanta, Georgia, Elgin Hood Sr. (Deidra), of Kansas City, Kansas, Brian Coulter of Texas, Toni Pledger, Saundra Coulter, Kim Coulter, Willietta Jackson, Pat Moore, and Brenda McCloyn, each of Kansas City, Kansas. Preceding him in death are his parents, William Poke and Berthan (Poke) Nelson, son Tyran Burton, sister, Brenda Dodd, sister-in-law Wanda Dodd, brothers Michael Coulter, Melvin Douglas, and nephew Hassan Williams. He also leaves to mourn eighteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

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