John W. Wick, 78, passed away on October 23, 2025.
John was born on January 11, 1947 in York, Pennsylvania. He was raised on a dairy farm and worked for several years on local dairy farms before becoming employed by Caterpillar in York, PA. He also worked as a farrier. He married his wife, Linda, in 1967.
John's passion in life was hunting, especially coon hunting. He moved to Missouri in 1976 in search of better hunting conditions. He was self-employed from 1976 on, earning his living in a variety of ways related to hunting. He traveled all over the country for decades going to coon hunts, bear hunts, mountain lion hunts, and more. John self-published three books and wrote magazine articles for over 50 years on the subject of coon hunting and coonhound training. He was well known and highly respected in the hunting world. John raised hundreds of hound dogs during his life. He was known for developing the "Stylish" line of coonhounds and was a member of the coon hunting hall of fame. When his health no longer allowed him to hunt, he said he dreamt of hunting almost every night.
One of John's proudest accomplishments was a successful hunting supply business, Wick Outdoor Works. Along with his former wife, Linda, they started out in their home and developed a line of high-quality hunting clothing. The business grew to be a small sewing factory, retail store, and mail order business selling a variety of hunting-related items. Many wonderful friends and employees were instrumental in the success of this venture. In his later years John greatly enjoyed raising beef cattle on his farm.
John is survived by one daughter, Monica Taylor and husband, Tim, of Wellsville; and one granddaughter, Annelissa Taylor, of Kansas City. Also surviving are two sisters and a brother: Helen Spurley and husband, Gary, of York, Pennsylvania; Jim Wicke and wife, Tamah, of Burlington, North Carolina; and Christine Simon and husband, Larry, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and numerous nieces and nephews. He leaves behind many friends from near and far.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth Wicke.
Per his wishes, there will be no public services and his life will be celebrated privately.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.
