John Patrick Bignell, 81, died Nov. 25, 2016, at his home in Hutchinson. He was born Aug. 1, 1935, in Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, to Reginald and Kathleen (Boyle) Bignell.

John graduated from St. Mary's High School in Brockeville, Ontario, Canada. After immigrating to the United States, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and served until 1959. While in the service, John played piano and sang in an Air Force band. He worked as an on-air radio personality in Laramie, Wyoming, and then worked for the Idaho Department of Transportation in Boise, Idaho, until his retirement. While living in Boise, John sang in the choir at St. Mark's Catholic Church and worked as a DJ for weddings, dances, etc. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in South Hutchinson.

On Aug. 9, 1962, he married Maria Eulalia "Lola" Esparza in Laramie, Wyoming. She survives. Other survivors include: sister, Kathy Sharife and husband Alton of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jim.

Parish rosary will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, with mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 612 S. Maple, South Hutchinson, with Father Ned J. Blick officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant View Cemetery, Darlow, with military honors conducted by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.