John Mcnulty

John Alan "Paducah" McNulty, 79, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away September 5, 2025, at Iowa Methodist UnityPoint following an accident.

Born in Belmond, Iowa, John graduated from Lincoln High School, where he wrestled for the Railsplitters, and later from AIB in Des Moines with a degree in Computer Programming. On February 26, 1966, he married Elizabeth (Beth) Green. Together they raised two daughters, Julie (Todd) Ohl and Lori (David) Landgren. He was a proud grandfather to Elizabeth (Oscar) Celaya, Elin (Devin) Thomas, Erik (Raegan) Landgren, Bronwyn (Jordan) Bahr, and Travis Ohl, and great-grandfather to Elise Murphy, Oscar Celaya Jr., Cassius Thomas, Svea Thomas, and Rocky Thomas.

John's career began at Dial Finance (later Norwest/Wells Fargo), and he also worked for the State of Iowa. After retirement he fulfilled a lifelong dream by running The Rod Garage, where he built and customized street rods. He loved showing his cars at GoodGuys, World of Wheels, Porky's, and many other car shows. He also worked part-time at the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Events Center, and as a pilot car driver. He loved square dancing with Beth, camping with friends, boating, and traveling. His adventurous spirit took the family to live in Sydney, Australia, where he also took up scuba diving, and to New York, where he was affectionately called "Big Tex."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Jean McNulty, and his sister, Kay Winfrey. He is survived by his wife Beth; daughters Julie (Todd) Ohl and Lori (David) Landgren; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister Nina (Gary) Eurom; his brother Reese McNulty; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial open house will be held Thursday, September 11, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Simplify Funeral Home, 4821 SW 9th, Des Moines, Iowa. Any memorials directed to the family will be used to fund a Carlisle High School Dollars for Scholars Scholarship.

John has shifted gears into his next adventure, leaving behind miles of love and memories. May the road rise up to meet him, and may the wind be always at his back.