John Lee Rader was born November 14, 1949, at St. Francis Hospital, Maryville, Missouri, to James Arthur, Sr. and Eunice Paula (Beal) Rader. John grew up on the family farm and attended Fairfax High School, graduating in 1967.

On June 8, 1973, John was united in marriage to Shirley Mae Hargus at the First Baptist Church, Tarkio, Missouri. They became the parents of two children, Jennifer and Tony, and made their home in Fairfax their entire married life.

John farmed the Century Family Farm. For many years, he owned and operated Rader Trucking where he drove over the road. John was a member of the Fairfax Baptist Church, Fairfax, and Christian Motorcyclists Association, Heartland Riders Chapter #513. He was also a member of Freedom of the Road Riders and the Goldwing Motorcycle Association. John served on the Atchison County Fair Board and as a Project Leader in the Wolverine 4-H Club while his children participated in 4-H.

John enjoyed taking motorcycle trips with his wife, playing UNO with his grandchildren, and joking with his nieces and nephews. He also loved spending time with family and friends. John passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at his home in Fairfax, at the age of 74.

Besides his parents, John was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Rader, Fairfax; children, Jennifer (Jared) Weydert, Macon, Missouri, and Anthony “Tony” (Christina) Rader, Forest City, Missouri; grandchildren, Jacey and Rennick Rader, and Derek and Kennedy Weydert; brothers, Kenny (Alice) Rader, Eagle, Nebraska, and James, Jr. (Peggy) Rader, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Lynnette Strough, St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sheila (companion, Scott) Bennett, Gravois Mills, Missouri; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Tarkio, conducted by Pastor Tate Walker and Rev. Glenn Scott. Interment was at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Arrangements were under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. Online condolences may be left at www.minterfuneralchapels.com.