Wesley H. Lohman

Wesley Henry Arthur Lohman was born at home on the family farm on August 12th, 1929, in Ernestville, Missouri, to Adolph and Hulda (nee Schnackenberg) Lohman. With two older brothers, Alfred and Harold, Wes learned a lot about life with the rigorous hard work required to keep a farm going. He would often share stories with the family about taking water to the threshing crews; how the women made three meals a day and took it out to those working in the fields; and also how, when bath time came, he being the youngest brother always got the leftover, dirty water.

His family moved to the small community of Higginsville in 1941, about the time Wes was entering middle school years. Little did he know when his family moved across the street from a pretty girl – Blondena Smith - that she would later become his high school sweetheart, wife, and love of his life.

The Lohman family was very involved in St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Earnestville, and when they moved to Higginsville, he was involved in the Walther League Youth Group of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Church was at the heart of their family.

Wes played the position of tackle for the Higginsville High School Huskers football team, and wore jersey #39, the same number his only grandson wore proudly when he played for the Truman Patriots.

Wes had several jobs during and immediately following high school. He hauled fuel oil all over Lafayette County, and at one time also worked on a crew that hauled tankage. He said from time to time that was a “pretty smelly” job. With a pointed finger and squinty eye, he liked to recount the interview for one of the jobs, and how the man who hired him made very clear the type of conduct he expected.

In an evening service on October 14th, 1950, Wesley married Blondena Mae Smith, at the Higginsville Baptist Church, with Pastor Elmer Klaussen officiating.

Wes was inducted into the Army in 1951, and served his country in Korea, as a member of the 2nd Infantry Division Signal Company. He received a National Defense Service Medal, and three United Nations Service Medals camp stars for his overseas service. He served as an “Emergency Reinforcement” to the 35th Infantry Division from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1960.

Wesley and Blondena spent a year together at Camp Gordon in Georgia, where she worked as a secretary on base, and saw his orders come in that he was being shipped overseas. She came back home to Higginsville and worked at the bank until his return, upon which they moved to Kansas City where he began his 38 year career with A T & T.

Wesley and Blondena welcomed their first son, Mark, on his (Wes’s) birthday, August 12th, of 1959. They welcomed a second son, Gary, in November of 1961. Being born with several congenital issues, Gary lived but two years. The faith of this couple was sorely tested at this time, but the Lord grew their faith in Him and in each other as they chose to trust Him completely when, in faith, they released Gary into the hands of their loving Heavenly Father. In this hardship, God planted the seed of a strong faith that became the vibrant testimony for the rest of their lives, and has been the basis of their love for and generosity to their family, friends, church, and service to their community.

Wesley enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout the years; bowling, collecting many things, including old glass bottles and fruit jars, telephone pole insulators, gas lamps, and rocks from their various travels. He enjoyed landscaping his yard and gardening. In later years he enjoyed the game of golf with work friends. He enjoyed his church, and served in a variety of positions, to include Deacon, chairman of various committees, and loved visitation. He and his son Mark shared many wonderful times together turkey and bird hunting, and fishing.

Wesley and Blondena had three grandchildren, and at every age, from kindergarten through college and into professional school, have seldom missed a single event each grandchild has participated in, whether dance recitals, sports, Scouting activities, plays, graduations, award ceremonies…you name it! They were supportive of any and all things their grandkids participated in. As great grandchildren began to arrive, and as their health allowed, they could be found supporting them, as well.

Wes was a humble man, but a man of deep conviction. His love of the Lord and desire to please and honor Him has been the beacon of His life, and he and Blondena did just that. They were acutely aware of their testimony in front of a watching world, and lived a righteous life, a life that the Lord blessed. It has been their fervent prayer that all their family will live lives devoted to a relationship with Jesus.

Wesley was preceded in death by his mother and father and two brothers, and a son, Gary Stephen Lohman.

He is survived by his wife, Blondena Lohman of Kansas City; son, Mark Lohman (Lisa) of Independence; three grandchildren, Ashley White (Brandon) of Lee’s Summit, Kaitlyn Hauser (Isaac) of Lee’s Summit, and Austin Lohman (Allie), of Olathe, KS; and four great grandchildren: Parker, Foster, and Claire White, and Easton Lohman; two nieces whom he considered like daughters, Judy Bird (Jim), and Janet Schamback (Bob), and a host of great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 10AM, Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial to follow in Green Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Oakwood Baptist Church, 7600 Lee's Summit Road, Kansas City, MO, 64139.

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 10AM, Saturday, January 15, 2022 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri; burial to follow in Green Lawn Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Oakwood Baptist Church, 7600 Lee’s Summit Road, Kansas City, MO, 64139.