John Lee Way

John Way, 72, rural Emporia, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

John Lee Way was born June 27, 1953 in Pratt, Kansas, the son of Ellis and Catherine (Sandquist) Way. He married Janet Blaufuss on February 14, 1981 in Olpe, Kansas, She survives of the home. Also surviving is his sons; Jason Thomas (Erin) Way, Americus, Kansas, and Jeremy Lee (Kristen) Way, Emporia, daughter; Justina Barnes and her fiancé Nick Roach, Andover, Kansas, sister; Linda (Eric) Hurley, Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and grandchildren; Dylan Kosinski, Seth, Camden, and Piper Way, and Hayden and Jasper Barnes. He was preceded in death by his parents.

John was an equipment operator and carpenter who had been employed at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company, Mark II Lumber, and Better Life Technology.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the Kansas Fur Harvesters, Kansas Muzzle Loaders, and the Sons of the American Legion.

John was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting fishing, and trapping. Was known across Kansas as the area fur buyer. He was very passionate about passing his knowledge of the outdoors on to others.

He also loved sports. He was always on the road traveling across the state to support his kids, grandkids, and their teams.

A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Champion’s Landing, Emporia, on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.

The family will be setting up a Trapper John Memorial Fund for Youth Sports and Outdoor Activities. More details to come in the near future.

Contributions may be sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home. PO Box #175, Emporia, Kansas 66801