JOHN “IKE” MOREHEAD
With profound sadness, our family announces the passing of John “Ike” Morehead on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Ike was born in Kirksville, Missouri, October 26, 1945. He was a 1963 graduate of Milan High School and earned an associate degree in agriculture from Muscatine College. He later graduated from auctioneering school in Kansas City.
After college, Ike was employed for a few years in Kansas City but returned to Milan to join his brother in a local business. Later, Ike ran for public office and became Circuit Clerk and Recorder of Deeds for Sullivan County. He held these positions for a number of years. In addition to these duties, Ike had a successful auction business holding household, machinery, antique and farm auctions on weekends.
In 1979, Janice Locke moved to Milan and the two married in 1981. They enjoyed many trips together within the United States plus Ireland and Canada. They particularly loved socializing with their many friends . Upon retirement, Ike and Janice first spent a winter in Texas and then at The Villages in Florida. After spending a winter in Arizona, they decided to make Arizona their permanent home and moved in 2010. In addition to their special friends from Milan, they made many new friends in Arizona, including many from Canada, with whom they developed a special relationship. Ike loved people and was blessed with many special friends including their children.
Due to health issues, Ike and Janice returned to Missouri in 2023 residing first in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, close to his brothers, and after the passing of Janice, to Milan as Ike wanted to go home. Regardless of health issues, Ike’s love for Janice never wavered.
Ike loved sports and growing up was a huge Cardinals fan but later became an avid fan of the Royals and Chiefs. He enjoyed golf, but his favorite sport was quail hunting. Most quail hunters rely on their dogs to find the quail. Ike had a knack for knowing where to find the quail and, more often than not, would take the dogs to the quail so he could watch them go on point.
His true love may very well have been cooking. He scoured recipes looking for one that, with a few of his alterations, would make the perfect dish and hear Janice respond with, “that’s a go”. He looked forward to cooking contests as he felt and firmly believed no one could match the taste of his prepared food. He was particularly proud of his chili. Actually, he was the winner of a few local cooking contests.
Ike was a natural storyteller and could walk into any gathering – often with a cold beer – and within minutes, make everyone feel like an old friend. He cherished simple pleasures: a good drink, good stories, and the company of others. He relished in telling stories and, with his infectious laugh, would brighten the room with good vibes.
Ike was thoughtful, loving and caring. He looked after his widowed mother for over 30 years, finding time to check on and visit with her most days. He and Janice would also take his bachelor brother on vacation with them. His nieces and nephews always looked forward to Christmas at Milan and enjoying the company of Uncle Ikie.
After the passing of Janice, Ike was looked after by caregivers. One caregiver, Jennifer, related the following: “Ike asked Jennifer what she thought Heaven would be like. Jennifer put the question back to Ike and, after a brief pause, said “ Janice and me on a nice Summer evening, riding in a pickup on a country road in Sullivan County, drinking a beer”. Yes, Ike loved the simple pleasures of life and was better for it.
Ike was a natural in creating fun. On some nice Summer days without a cloud in the sky, while working on the second floor of the courthouse, he was known to take a water gun and squirt water over the top of local gentlemen seated on a bench of the courthouse lawn. He got a big kick out of them looking up at a crystal blue sky and wondering how it could rain. Yes, growing up with Ike was always a fun and special adventure.
When asked to identify the greatest commandment, Jesus’ response: “Love God with your all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. Jesus then added a second, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. Ike loved the Lord and he loved people. With this, we can find peace and comfort knowing where Ike now resides.
Ike was preceded in death by his father John, mother Dorothy and brother Mark. He leaves behind his brothers Mike (Brooke) Morehead and Tim (Sherri) Morehead. Nieces Megan Hoban (husband, Brian), Kate Sullinger (husband, Mike) and Melissa Hunter (husband, Jeff). Nephews Chad Morehead (wife Whitney), Tyler Morehead (wife, Brooke). Two sisters-in-law Ginger Dickson (husband, Kelly) and Angela Packham and fourteen great nieces and nephews.
A visitation with Funeral Mass for Ike Morehead was held Saturday, June 27, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milan, Missouri. Inurnment followed at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan handled arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Mary’s Altar Society.
