John C. Oswald passed away Jan. 26, 2012, after being diagnosed with leukemia late last year. John was born Aug. 23, 1929, in Hutchinson, Kan.

He married Elizabeth Mackintosh on Aug. 23, 1952. She survives.

He is also survived by his four children and seven grandchildren: Andy and wife Jennifer and their sons Zach and Nick; Leslie Klein and her husband Nat; Bill and wife Kerri and their three children Erich, daughter-in-law, Kathryn, Hanna, and Jon; Patsy Lovett and her husband Rusty and their two children Lauren and Ross; and his brother, Charles Oswald.

John's extended family includes Nigel Fletcher of England who lived with John and his family during the bombing of England in World War II. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ellen Walker, and by his English siblings, Paddy and Jackie Fletcher.

John graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1947, and was active in Scouting and was a member of the 1945 and 1946 State Championship Football team, and was the middle member of a four-generation Eagle Scout family. John graduated from Kansas State University in 1952, and also served his country in the United States Air Force.

John's business career included owning and operating Oswald and Sons, a cattle and farming operation that expanded from dairy to beef production, and Oswald Real Estate, a commercial and residential real estate firm he operated for 40 years that was purchased in 2000 by J.P. Weigand.

John's leadership and involvement in the community and state included serving as President for the following: Kansas State Fair Board, Rotary Club, Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and the American Polled Hereford Association. He was also a Clay Township Trustee and on the Buhler USD 313 School Board. He also served as a delegate and speaker to the International Hereford Convention in South Africa, and as a member of the Kansas Supreme Court Nominating Committee.

John was active in a variety of volunteer activities, and was proud of being the co-sponsor of the Young American Award at HHS, which has and currently presents a college award to the outstanding graduating senior for the last 85 years. He also was active in 4-H, the K-State Alumni Association, the restoration of the Fox Theatre, and the Salt Museum. He recently established scholarships at Hutchinson Community College and Kansas State University.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening, Feb. 2, at Elliott Chapel from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Memorial service will be Friday Feb. 3, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church, 700 East 25th, with the Reverend Joe Rychcik, and Pastor Paul Nisly officiating. Friends may sign the book at Elliott Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boy Scouts of America or the Hutchinson Boys and Girls Club, both in care of the mortuary, 1219 North Main, 67501.