John Paul Fawson

November 6, 1973 – April 11, 2025

John Paul Fawson, beloved husband, devoted father, and faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, passed away peacefully at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer (Ewing Sarcoma). He was 51 years old.

John was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kennith Lowell Fawson and Janet Patricia Patterson Fawson. He was the 11th of 13 children in a home where faith, hard work, and sacrifice were daily lessons. His father was a schoolteacher and his mother a dedicated homemaker. Though financial resources were limited, John learned early in life that true wealth comes through perseverance, service, and the strength of family.

Raised in Sugarhouse, Utah, John graduated from Highland High School and later pursued studies in business at Utah Valley State College and the University of Utah. A gifted communicator and ethical financial advisor, he earned his Series 65 securities license, as well as life, accident, and health insurance licenses. He was a proud member of the National Ethics Bureau and was honored as the Kansas Businessman of the Year in the early 2000s—an achievement that took him to a special banquet at the White House in Washington, D.C.

John’s faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of his life. He served faithfully as a missionary in Melbourne, Australia from 1992–1994, and his testimony deepened through years of dedicated service in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His leadership roles included Stake Young Men’s President, Stake Communications Director, Young Single Adult Ward Bishop, and, most recently, as President of the Far West Missouri Stake—a calling he fulfilled with unwavering love and spiritual strength, even in the final days of his life.

A turning point came when John followed a quiet prompting that changed everything: rather than pursuing his long-held dream to study at BYU Jerusalem, he chose a different path. On August 23, 1996, he married Monica Ruth Oldham, his eternal companion, in the Salt Lake Temple.

John and Monica lived in Utah, Kansas, Arizona, and Missouri, with the last 15 years rooted in the communities of Gallatin and Cameron, Missouri. Everywhere he went, John radiated light, hope, and purpose. He lifted others, believed in their divine potential, and constantly sought to build faith in Christ.

John often quoted the words of Nelson Mandela, words that became the anthem of his life:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

John lived this truth. His light inspired, empowered, and blessed all who knew him. His legacy will continue to shine through the lives he touched, the testimonies he strengthened, and the love he gave so freely.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kennith Lowell Fawson; his mother, Janet Patricia Patterson Fawson; and his brother Joseph Fawson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Monica, his children Ammon John Fawson (Leidy), Mychaela Ruth Fawson Smith (Brock), and Caleb Luke Fawson, his grandchild Allison Jane Fawson, his 11 beloved siblings, and countless friends and fellow saints who will forever be grateful for his life and example.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund in care of the funeral home. A funeral service celebrating John's life will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Gallatin, MO. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Tuesday, the evening prior at Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin. A private interment will follow the services at Winston Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Gallatin (660) 663-2117. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com 

For those who are unable to attend John's funeral in person, we have set up a Zoom link. The funeral will be broadcast on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 at 10 AM Central at [https://zoom.us/j/91276485391](https://zoom.us/j/91276485391)

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