John Robert Lamar

John Robert Lamar, 80, of Sedalia, passed away Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg.

He was born on May 18, 1945, in Wichita, KS a son of Richard and Katherine (Canfield) Lamar.

John graduated from Richmond High School in 1963. He pursued a life of purpose in education, beginning his teaching career at Boonville High School where he taught chemistry and algebra before later transitioning to physics and geometry.

John coached football at Boonville High School for 26 years, girls’ basketball for 14 years, and high school track for an impressive 30 years. Beyond athletics, John enriched student life as the director of the junior class play and as the sponsor of the science club, encouraging curiosity and creativity in all his students. John continued his teaching journey with the Sedalia 200 School District, retiring after a long and impactful career. He also, had an extensive career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist for nearly 50 years.

John was also a talented photographer and owner of Lamar Photography in Boonville. He captured countless memories through his lens, specializing in sports photography, weddings, and senior portraits.

John’s life was anchored in faith, and he became a Christian on February 2, 1972.

Survivors include four children, Sarah Noel Johnson of Lee’s Summit, MO, Christian Lamar of Kansas City, MO, Lt. Col. Matthew Lamar (USAF) and his wife Elnara of Maastricht, Netherlands, and Aaron Lamar and his wife Tonya of Sedalia, nine grandchildren, Ericka Johnson, Anna Schultz, Brooklyn Lamar, Marcuis Lamar, Grady Lamar, Trevor Lamar, Isabella Lamar, Matthew Lamar, Jr. and Sean Lamar, four great-grandchildren, Serenity, Ellianna, Amariya, and Ahrias; two brothers, James Lamar and Donald Lamar both of Richmond, MO.

In addition to both of his parents he was preceded in death by one son, John R. Lamar, Jr.; four brothers, Mark, Roy, Richard and Raymond Lamar; and one sister, Donna Lamar.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with burial to follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family.