SANTA ANA, CA - John Dean McIlrath passed away peacefully on April 11, 2010 at the age of 92 due to complications suffered from a massive stroke 10 months ago. John was born September 9, 1917, in Kingman, to Ralph and Faith McIlrath.

John served in the Navy during World War II in the South Pacific. Following his military service he returned to Kingman where he was a grocery manager for Safeway. In 1953 he moved to Hutchinson and was employed by Jack and Jill's and Mammel's. On July 17, 1955 he married his beloved wife, Norma L. Sanders in Hutchinson. Norma passed away in May of 1993. After retirement John and Norma were full time avid antique and pottery collectors where they made many dear friends. In 2001, following heart surgery, he moved to California to live with his daughter.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Ninnescah Lodge #230, and VFW Post #1164, all in Kingman, and the American Legion Lyle Rishel Post #62 in Hutchinson.

John is survived by two sons, William of California, and James of Wichita, daughter Janet Niles of California; loving sister Francis Helen Gilchrist of Kingman, sister-in-law Janis McIlrath of Kingman; 8 grandchildren: Marc, Marla, Tammy, William, Faith, Bobbie Jo, James, and Joey; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jo Ann Henry; a granddaughter Stephanie both of California; and two brothers William and Robert McIlrath of Kingman

Funeral will be 10:00 a.m., Thurs., April 22, 2010 at Elliott Chapel with Rev. Phil Fischer presiding. Burial will be in Lebanon Cemetery, Kingman. Visitation will be 9-9 Wednesday with the family to receive friends from 6-8 at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in the care of the mortuary. Please visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave condolences for John's family.