1936 - 2026
Junior “JR” Daniel Ghan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.
JR was born on January 12, 1936, on a farm outside Purdy, Missouri, to Luther Daniel and Leone Irene (Herrell) Ghan. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Monett, Missouri. At the age of 13, JR moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he lived with his brothers and began his lifelong career in trucking. He started driving trucks with his brothers and earned his chauffeur’s license at age 16, marking the beginning of a long dedicated career. Over the years, he worked for Wilson Trucking, Oakland Transit in California, Ark Valley Fruits and Vegetables, Associated Groceries, Safeway, Ryder PIE, and Wichita Transit. He concluded his career with Total Petroleum, retiring in 1997. Even after retirement, JR continued to enjoy the open road, delivering vehicles across multiple states for Kline Motors.
In July of 1959, JR met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Fraley, in Wichita. They were united in marriage on October 25, 1959, in Chester, Nebraska. Together, they built a loving home and were blessed with five children. They raised their family in Wichita before moving north of Winfield City Lake in 1982. After 20 years there, they moved into Winfield in 2002. Following retirement, JR and Barbara spent many happy years traveling together and creating lasting memories.
JR was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed KU basketball and Kansas City Chiefs football. More than anything, he loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He found joy in the outdoors, including walking, swimming, mowing, gardening, and sitting on the front porch reading, particularly Lonesome Dove. Above all, JR cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Barbara Ghan; his son Michael Ghan of Wilmot, KS; his daughters, Pennie Randall (Kevin) of Soloman, KS; Jeannie Grow (Brian) of Atlanta; and Vickie Grow of Douglas, KS; and his sister Billie Jacobs of Brooklyn, MO. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Timothy Randall, Tara Atwell, Tiffany Nagel, Cody Randall, Jake Grow, Kelly Grow, Clayton Grow, Christal Lopez, Zachary Grow, Garrett Grow; 23 great grandchildren with one on the way; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
JR was preceded in death by his parents; his son Donald; four brothers, Carl, Leo (Bud), Cleo (Hap), and Carroll; and three sisters, Marie, Lorene, and Patsy.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 27, 2026, at Miles Funeral Service, 4001 E 9th Ave, Winfield, Kansas 67156. JR will be laid to rest at Wilmot Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in JR’s name for Harry Hynes Hospice, St. Francis Hospital, and for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
