J.D. Most, 87, of Russell, Kansas, died on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

J.D. was born on December 30, 1932, in Atwood, Kansas.  The son of Jesse and Merna (Escue) Most.  He grew up in Atwood and graduated from Atwood High School.  After high school he graduated from McCook Junior College in McCook, Nebraska.  He served his country by joining the United States Army and served state side during the Korean war.  After serving in the Army, he received his bachelors and masters degree in education from Ft. Hays State University in Hays, Kansas.  He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Shirley M. Hurst on August 21, 1955, in Atwood, Kansas.  From this union, J.D. and Shirley were blessed with three daughters Lynette, DeAnn and Valerie.  J.D. and Shirley moved and raised their family to Russell, Kansas, in 1961, where he worked as a history and physical education teacher for USD 407 School District.  He worked at the middle school and high school.  He also was a coach for the school district coaching football, basketball, track and volleyball.  He also worked as a referee in football and basketball.  J.D.'s passion was sports and he loved working with, teaching and coaching children.  He also enjoyed woodworking, and going to the lake and cabin in Colorado.  Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Surviving family include his wife Shirley of the home, daughters Lynette Nagai-Most (Mark), DeAnn Most and Valerie Most all of Wichita, Kansas; sister Jeanine Bevan of Caldwell, Kansas and 2 grandchildren Trevor Nagai (Tabithia) and Cody Nagai and great grandson Liam Nagai.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of J.D.'s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, March 13, 2020, at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, Kansas, with Pastor Mike Ketchens officiating.  Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation and family greeting guests will take place the day of service at the church from 10 A.M. to service time.  Memorials may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church or USD 407 Athletic Department and sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas, is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.