John Francis Relph, age 70 of Fredonia, KS, passed away on Friday, October 21, 2022 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, KS.

John was born June 11, 1952 in Fredonia to Gene and Katherine (Wolfe) Relph. He grew up alongside 4 brothers and attended Fredonia High School, graduating with the class of 1970.

John was a life-long Fredonian, and loved the town he spent his life in. He donated uncountable hours to different projects around town throughout his life. He owned and operated Relph’s Machine Shop alongside 2 of his brothers for nearly 40 years. Along with working in the machine shop, John enjoyed woodworking projects, making several wooden clocks, and working on grandfather clocks. At one time, he even took up beekeeping.

John began attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia at a very early age, and continued attending for life, having communion brought to him at his home when his health started failing and he couldn’t get to church.

John is survived by his brothers:
Tom Relph and wife Tina of Oklahoma City, OK
Joe Relph and wife Angela of Altoona, KS
David Relph and wife Toni of Altoona, KS
Mark Relph of Fredonia, KS

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per John’s wish, cremation will take place with no services to be held.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and can be mailed to or left with the funeral home.

Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 420 S. 20th, PO Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736