John moved his family to Salina, KS, in 1971 and joined the Salina Police Force. John worked as a patrolman until 1974. John had many other pursuits, including owning Electronics Inc. from 1978 to 1982. He eventually returned to police duty, where he worked from 1991 until he retired from the evidence room in 2002, having spent approximately 13 years on the force.

He was a gifted photographer and stained-glass artist. He loved to play golf, and was a ham radio operator for 25 years. He was a member of the Audubon Society and was a self-taught military historian and naturalist.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John J. Shoultys Sr. and Kathryn O’Brien; and his sister, Marilyn O’Leslie.

John is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary (Peer), of Salina; five children, Maria Shoultys of Salina, Natasha Smith and husband Allen of Mechanicsburg, PA, Shawn Shoultys of Fairbanks, AK, Mai-ling Ulmo and husband Dana of Belton, MO, Heidi Faulk and husband Greg of Topeka; grandchildren, Martin, Alex, Hannah, Gregory, Jacob, Nate and Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Olivia, and Joshua. He is also survived by his loyal companion, Biscuit. John was a life member of the Marine Corps League Tri-Rivers Detachment, the VFW and AMBUCS.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth St. Salina. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery, Salina.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Ryan Mortuary. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kaye Pogue Hospice Center in Salina, KS.

“All you Marines don’t be in a hurry to relieve me of my guard duty at the Pearly Gate.” Semper Fi.