John H Milnes, 88 of Moberly was called home Friday, August 30, 2024.  John was born July 7, 1936 in Clark MO to John H Milnes SR and Goldine Price Milnes.

John grew up in the country – on a farm near Clark, Mo and attended Chapel Grove Grade School through the 8th grade. He worked on the family farm until January 1957 when he moved to Moberly.

John met Joan at Modern Equipment and they later became dance partners at Deamboat Dance Hall in Moberly.  John wed the love of his life, Joan Manning on April 11, 1958 and they were blessed with five children.

A family-man, John was known to show up for those he loved, whether children or extended family.  He enjoyed helping his family by mowing his children’s lawns and maintaining family cemeteries.  John and Joan have been members of the square dance community for a number of years, and were thrilled to see some of their children start dancing as well.  When John was not spending time with his family he could be found at the ball fields, always with a lawn chair waiting for his ball buddy, Jamie Bledsoe to arrive, as long as it was empty you were welcome to sit and visit.  When he was not at the ball field he could be found at an auction or visiting his friends in the Amish country.  No matter where he was he always had a grin to brighten your day.

John was a business man, and held several jobs through his 88 years on earth, though the most important to him was serving the Lord.  John was a member of North Park Baptist Church, Moberly and served as a deacon for several years.  In his younger years, John owned Champlin Gas Station and Milnes Bros. Auction Service with his brother, Bill.  He later moved to Stamper Feed Mill while delivering The St Louis Post and Globe on the weekends, before spending a short time at KWIX/KRES selling ads.  He went to sell an ad to Boone County Glass and instead was offered a job because the owner told John “I know you know how to work”. This started his last business venture, he spent 20 years working at Boone County Glass, later purchasing it with his son and relocating the business to Moberly, where it was known as Magic City Glass, where he worked for 14 years before retiring.  Many years John worked 2 jobs to ensure his wife could be home with the children. 

During retirement John enjoyed helping at the racetrack and getting to know the drivers, where he was known as “The General”.  He would frequently travel to attend the Midwest Old Thrashers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he served as Mayor of the Reunion in 2008 and 2009.  His love for sports continued in this time, and he could often be found catching a game in his recliner while his grandkids played at his feet.

John will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, having a nickname for everyone, lighting up a room, being a hard-worker and taking care of his family.

John is survived by his wife, Joan, Son Jerry (Joyce)Milnes, daughters, Debbie (David) Magers, Michelle (Scott) Chapman and Kristi Chase. Many grandkids, great grandkids and other extended family members and close friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John H Milnes SR and Goldine Price Milnes, and step-mother Sarah Milnes, Son, Johnny W Milnes, Son-in-law, Rob Chase, Brother, William “Bill” Milnes and Sister, Betty Colley.  Brother-in-law, Bill Manning and Sister-in-law, Clara Minor

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Missouri Heart Association.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation, held at the Cater Funeral Home.  Funeral services honoring and celebrating John's life were held in the Cater Funeral Home Chapel.  Committal prayer and burial took me place in the Oakland Cemetery.