John D. Story
May 16, 1934 - April 9, 2020
John D. Story Sr. 85, of Kankakee, went to be with the Lord after complications of congestive heart failure. John was born on May 16, 1934 in Black Oak, AR; the son of Samuel and Fannie (Hill) Story. John proudly served our country in the Navy from 1956-1960; during this time he married Sandra McCrary on July 12, 1959. John would go on to earn his Masters of Theology from Olivet Nazarene University; after completing his education John worked for many years as a minister in the Nazarene Faith. He was the full time pastor for Kempton Church of the Nazarene for 10 years, Kankakee Westbrook Church of the Nazarene for 5 years, Gilman First Church of the Nazarene for 19 years; and was employed by Olivet Nazarene University as the Director of Public Security from 1986-1996. John’s strong faith led him to many witness trips around the world with the Church of the Nazarene traveling to Haiti, St. Lucia, Dominican Republic, Spain, Kenya, and Africa. He had a talent for upholstery which he started a side business for many years. He used his upholstery talents to spread God’s word; handing out thousands of hand sewn hearts stamped with the words “God loves you/Kankakee, IL.” Handing out hearts to everybody he met earned John the nickname “Heart Man.” His hearts can be found all over the world in places like The Great Wall in China; Tokyo, Japan; and St. John, USVI. He also enjoyed photography and fishing. John is survived by his wife of 60 years Sandra Story, his children John (Diane) Story Jr. of Indianapolis, and Tina (Bryan) Woodcock of Phoenix, 4 grandchildren: Taylor, Laura, Krystan, and Kaitlyn, a brother Samuel Lee Story of Orion, MI, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James and Lloyd Story, and a sister Loretta Carlson. John will be laid to rest at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. A memorial gathering and celebration of life will be held at a later date after the covid-19 restrictions have been lifted
John D. Story Sr. 85, of Kankakee, went to be with the Lord after complications of congestive heart failure. John was born on May 16, 1934 in Black Oak, AR; the son of Samuel and Fannie (Hill) Story. John proudly served our country in the... View Obituary & Service Information