John H. Mize, Jr., 84, originally from Atchison, Kan., passed away on October 22 after a short illness. He was famous for his amazing sense of humor and quick wit until the last moments.

John graduated from Atchison High School, attended the University of Kansas, and later graduated from St. Benedict- College and served as a medic in The United States Air Force Reserves. In 1962, his return to Atchison saw him helm the Blish-Mize Company as the fourth-generation leader and, most recently, as Chairman of the Board. As President and CEO of BLISH-MIZE CO., he helped keep the small-town industry alive through the business's success. He worked there for over 50 years.

He was also a member of the Board of Directors of UMB Financial Corporation (UMBF), a publicly held banking and financial services company. He also served on the Boards of PRO Hardware, Bostwick-Braun Co., Sentry Hardware, Distribution America, President of the National Wholesale Hardware Association, and long-standing past member of the Hardware Group Association.

He had long been a champion of Atchison and the state of Kansas and was honored as the sixth inductee into the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce's Hall of Fame. He was a Trustee and Foundation Member of the Atchison Family YMCA. He served as Co-Trustee for the Courtney S. Charitable Turner Trust. He was a Board Member of The Lockwood Company of Atchison, Mount St. Scholastica High School Academy, the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kansas State Chamber of Commerce, and an Advisory Member of the United States Chamber of Commerce. John was also an avid Kansas basketball fan. Rock Chalk!

He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Cheryl Larkin Mize; a son, Jonathan Mize (Shannon); a daughter, Blish Mize Connor (Michael); five grandchildren, Lauren Davis (Kyle), Nathan Mize (Madison), Truman, Snowden, and Patrick Connor, sister Courtney Laurie and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Mize, Sr. and Katherine Snowden Mize, a sister, Joanie Arthurs, brothers Truman and David Arthurs, and a grandchild, John Cooper Connor.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers who cared for John through the last few years, especially the Advent Health Center nursing staff, various doctors at The University of Kansas Hospital, the entire Mission Chateau team, and his daily companion, Englaia Lynnette Carter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to either the Atchison Area Community Foundation or Cooper Connor Endowed Fund for Pulmonary Research.
A Gift can be directly made by clicking on one of the above links, or checks can be sent to the following: Atchison Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 387, Atchison, KS 66002 or Cooper Connor Endowed Fund for Pulmonary Research, care of Children's Mercy, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64108.

A celebration with the family and Johnny's friends will be held Friday, October 27th, 2023, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Atchison Event Center, 710 S. 9th Street in Atchison, Kan.