John Anthony Cavanaugh, 51, was born to John Russell Cavanaugh and Wendy Jean (Ross) Cavanaugh on October 12, 1965, in Los Angeles, CA. He received his healing of cancer and went to be with Jesus on July 2, 2017. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 22 years, Christina Lee (Cardenaz) Cavanaugh of Fair Grove, MO; his children, Cerena Lee Kaps and husband Kaleb Kaps of Springfield, MO, Connel Michael Cavanaugh of Branson, MO, Kyle Morgan Cavanaugh of Springfield, MO, and Malachai Jensen Cavanaugh and Urijah River Cavanaugh, both of the home; his father, John Russell Cavanaugh of Canoga Park, CA; his brothers, Doug Cavanaugh of Canoga Park, CA and Tom Cavanaugh and wife Jodi and children Ciara and Timothy, all of Granada Hills, CA; his wife’s parents, Gene and Carole Cardenaz of Burbank, CA, and many more dear family and friends. His journey home was preceded in death by his mother, Wendy Jean (Ross) Cavanaugh.

On October 10, 1994, John married the love of his life, Christina Lee Cavanaugh, and shared many wonderful happy memories together. He was self-employed for many years doing what he enjoyed in helping others with their health goals and growth in business. Most important to John were his Catholic faith, his family, and his Irish heritage.

John was a dreamer and a romantic from an early age. In his younger years, he was very experienced in martial arts and enjoyed water skiing and rock climbing. He loved baseball and was a devoted Dodgers fan and a Notre Dame and Rams football fan as well. He attended Spartan college in Tulsa, OK, where he received his pilot’s license and became a flight instructor. He enjoyed intellectual discourse and was very well read. John loved to travel and always enjoyed the outdoors, especially when he was spending time with family and friends.

John will long be remembered for his perseverance and strength in spirit as he endured his physical health battle. He loved the Lord and was a man of strong faith, believing in the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing. He shared his faith often with his family and friends throughout his life by his example and by encouraging others as well.

A celebration of John’s journey home is planned on July 21, 2017, from 6:30-9:30pm, at Landmark Church, Strafford, MO. Any family and friends are welcome to attend. We will have a time of sharing stories and memories to honor John’s life. Lemonade will be provided and please feel free to bring any non-alcoholic beverages of your choice for your family. Also please bring lawn chairs or blankets for the fireworks show.

A private ceremony at his favorite place since childhood in California is planned in September to spread his ashes with family and close friends.

Any contributions made on behalf of the family may be directed to https://www.gofundme.com/cancer-sucks-we-support-john. Please note the site is being continued and 100% of the benefit will go to the family.