John Kendell Moats

John Kendell Moats, 71, of Spirit Lake. ID went home to the Lord on Sept 3rd 2026.

He was born on August 19, 1955, in Frankfurt, Germany, to John Kenneth Moats and Ella Mae (Bohrn) Moats. John spent most of his youth growing up in Twin Falls, Idaho, and was a proud member of the Class of ‘73. At just 17 years old, he joined the United States Navy.

John married Melanie Diane Burke in 1981, and together they shared 45 years of marriage. They built their life together in Idaho, where they raised their children. They also enjoyed raising cattle. Over the years they had many small cow calf operations from their homes in Nampa, Melba, Athol and Rupert, Idaho. John loved the farm life and living out in the country. From the age of 23 John had been a truck driver and later in life became an owner operator of semi-trucks. He and Melanie spent 12 years on the road together, transporting ammunition, explosives, and other materials.

In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and just spending time outdoors and on the water. He was especially passionate about his Harley-Davidson, a 1999 custom-painted Road King featuring a sword and shield. He had been riding for the Lord for many years and was very involved with the motorcycle ministries within his churches. Another passion was his prison ministry work with the Magic Valley Chaplains. He loved working with the inmates and seeing men change their lives.

John was known for his, sarcastic humor, his never-ending teasing, giving nic-names to those he loved most and his love of the Lord.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Melanie Moats; his children, Lucas West, Jacob Moats, and Ebonie (Jeremiah) McKee; grandchildren, Katlyn (Matthew) Ramsey, Joshua Moats, Gabriel Moats, Daymian Riley-Moats, Mason McKee, and Emery McKee; great-grandchildren, Michael, Luke, and Elena; his sister, Janet Gammon; sister-in-law, Betty Cline; and many cousins, nieces and nephew's.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Moats, Ella Mae O'Harris, and his brother, Russell Cline.

A memorial service will be held at Real Life Ministries in Athol, Idaho, on October 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.

A reception will follow. Family and friends will have an opportunity to share stories and memories of John during the reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who offered support, and assistance throughout John’s short illness, as well as to the WOW Group at Real Life Ministries for there prayer and support. Another incredible thanks is extended to all who made the journey to visit John from Southern Idaho, and beyond, while he was yet alive; those memories will be forever cherished!

Arrangements are entrusted to English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls, Idaho.