Fayette, Mo. resident and former business owner, J.C. Bias, age 87, passed away at The Lodge in Fayette on April 27, 2025.

Joseph Carl Bias, Sr. was born October 7, 1937 in Howard County, Mo.  He was one of 12 children born to the late Chester Clifford and Edith Ocie (Rhodes) Bias.  He graduated from Fayette High School with the class of 1955.  On September 24, 1955, J.C. married the love of his life, Dorothy “Loretta” John.  He officially met Loretta in Sunday school when they were children, and this coming September the couple would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. 

J.C.’s work ethic was second to none.  He held multiple jobs throughout his career and always worked hard to provide for his family.  In his younger years, J.C. started out working at Shields Filling Station.  He then went into the waste management industry, co-owning and operating Bias Hauling, and later changed to J&J Services.  In 1996, J.C. sold his company, but continued to stay busy doing deliveries for Sam’s Drugstore, hauling fuel for Home Oil Company and working for Skyline Quarries in Glasgow, Mo.  J.C. officially retired in 2017.  J.C. had an unwavering love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He always put God, and his faith, first.  In his spare time, he enjoyed horseback riding, and singing.  J.C. always said, “I sing by letter, not by note.  I open my mouth and let ‘er fly.”  J.C. was a proud family man who cherished his roles as husband, father, grandfather and brother.  He was a devout member of Fayette Assembly of God Church where he served as deacon and song leader for over 40 years.  He was most recently a member of Faith Family Church in Fayette.  J.C. will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Loretta; five children, Joseph Carl (Cheryl) Bias, Jr., Wanda (Dean) Shiflett, Cathy (Joey) Smith, Lisa (Joey) Maupin and Melissa “Missy” Shiflett; 12 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Thelma “T.J.” Bias.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Dorothy “Dottie” Waller, and 10 siblings, Marjorie, Clara, William, Ethel, Patricia, Mary, Floyd, Bobby, Cloyd, and Norma.

A funeral service honoring the life of Mr. Bias will be 12 PM, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Faith Family Church in Fayette, with Revs. David Hartgrove and Jonathan Bias officiating.  Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church, starting at 10 AM.  Interment will follow the service at Fayette City Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Jonathan Bias Ministries or Hometown Homecare Hospice.  Final arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette.  Online condolences may be shared at friemonthfreesefuneralservice.com.