John McBride, the father of studio engineer John McBride and father-in-law of Martina McBride, has died. According to his obituary, the elder John McBride passed away "peacefully" on Dec. 30, 2016, at the age of 85.

A graduate of Wichita East High School and Kansas University, and later of Southern Illinois University and Wichita State University, John McBride entered the United States Air Force following his graduation from law school. He practiced law in Wichita, Kan., for five years but then, following his second round of schooling, became a professor of both anthropology and business at Wichita State University; he later became the head of both departments for a few years, and was voted best professor, by students, a number of times.

In addition to his scholarly pursuits and work in law and education, John McBride loved music -- specifically jazz and classical music -- the game of bridge and tennis. His obituary describes him as "a prolific letter-writer, reader and engaging story-teller," as well as "an avid sports fan," particularly of the WSU Shockers.

In an Instagram post, Martina McBride writes that her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Flavia, were married for 59 years; she, "a fantastic cook and an amazing hostess," passed away in 2014, and McBride is "just happy that they are together again."

In addition to his son John and wife Martina, John McBride is survived by his younger sister Nancy; his children Katharine (and her husband James), James (and his wife Jan) and Charles (and his wife Jennifer); 12 grandchildren (including John and Martina McBride's three daughters, Delaney, Emma and Ava); and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of life service was held on Saturday (Jan. 7); in his honor, the family asks that donations be made to WSU's Flavia and John McBride Wichita State University Heskett Center of Education Fund, which will focus on training lifeguards and teaching adults to swim.

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