John F. Mothes, 87, of Cape Girardeau went home to be with Christ on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at the Missouri Veterans Home.

He was born June 10, 1929, in Sylvia, Kansas, to Anton and Rosina Wyss Mothes. He and Nan E. Floyd were married May 1, 1954, in Sylvia.

He was a member of Ava General Baptist Church in Ava, Missouri, where he taught Sunday school many years. He served honorably in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He served his Kansas and Missouri communities in many ways -- as a school-board member, president of the booster club, volunteer for the local food pantry and member of the VFW, to name a few.

John had a passion for baseball, loved farming and caring for God's creatures, and loved his country. He did all things well, greeted each day with optimism, and was dearly devoted to the love of his life. He and Nan had been married 63 blessed years.

Survivors include his wife, Nan Mothes of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Charlotte (Daniel) Paulsen of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Cheryl (Rick Hetzel) Mothes of Cape Girardeau; a son, Bryan (Tami) Mothes of Sylvia; a sister, Helen Krey of Grand Junction, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Rachelle (Joshua) Berkley, Jacqueline Paulsen, Danielle Paulsen, Jessica Garcia, Leandra Bateman, Tara (Matt Buttry) Price and Russell Mothes; and six great-grandchildren, Syler, Brayton, Bailey, Logan, Harley and Bentlee.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Irvin Mothes.

Friends may call from 11:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be at noon Wednesday at the Missouri Veterans Home, with the Rev. Jim Hampton officiating. Burial will be at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military rites conducted by the Missouri Honor Guard.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant," Matthew 25:21.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Ava General Baptist Church Backpack Program, 231 SE Third St., Ava, MO 65608.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.