John William "Bill" Poe, 86, of Jackson died Monday, April 1, 2013, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born June 3, 1926, in Jackson, to Jesse Marvin and Lula Maude Cavaner Poe. He and Mary Lou Seabaugh were married July 23, 1949. She died May 25, 1988.

Bill attended school in Jackson. He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, life member and past commander of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 of Jackson; life member of VFW Post 4282, life member of AMVETS Post 94 and Elks Lodge 2701 all in Perryville, Mo.

He was a salesman with Boss and Puls Insurance Co. in Jackson 27 years, retiring in 2001.

Bill served with the U.S. Army during World War II in occupied Japan.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Louise Smith of Jackson; five nephews, Pete Poe of Cape Girardeau, Mike Smith of Jackson, Tim Smith of St. Louis, Bart and David Garrett of the state of Michigan; six nieces, Emily Collins, Betty Henry, Judy Cummins of Jackson, Cheryl Sullivan of Cape Girardeau, Nancy VanderVeen and Janet DeBoer of the state of Michigan; and special friends, Randy Fronabarger and Carri Hurt.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou; a son, John William Poe II; a brother, Leo Elwood "Pete" Poe; and a sister, Betty James.

A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Club Room in Jackson.

An honor guard service will be held April 19 at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorials may be made to Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 Scholarship Fund.

Arrangements handled by Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson.

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