John Beazley

John Howard Beazley of Springfield died October 31 at Cox Hospital at the age of 87 with his family by his side. He was born October 28, 1936 to Edward and Lucile Bray Beazley. He was preceded in death by his mother Lucile Taylor; father Edward Beazley; sister Diane Koffs; in-laws Ed and Elizabeth Burlingame; son-in-law Steve Dunn. John is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Charlotte; son and daughter-in-law John E. and Dawn; daughter and partner Jan Dunn and Chris Paul; grandchildren Aaron (Milly), Travis (Jessica), Brian (Hailey) Beazley; great-grandchildren Reese, Nora, River, Mya, Luca, Cale, Nash, Crew, Knox; beloved nieces and nephews in CA and MO.

John attended school in Springfield, CA and Ozark High School where he loved playing basketball. He met the love of his life Charlotte Burlingame when he was a junior. It was love at first sight and neither of them ever dated anyone else. They married on April 28, 1956. After attending Draughon Business College for 2 years, he was employed by Frisco Railroad which caused them to transfer to St. Louis for a few years. With John E. in tow, they moved back to Springfield and he started his career as a Route Salesman with Hiland Dairy. He retired from the dairy in 1993.

John had a lifelong love of the outdoors: camping, floating, fishing and boating. He loved his time spent on the Buffalo National River and Table Rock Lake. He also enjoyed sports: coaching John in Little League Baseball, following his grandson’s Kickapoo Chiefs basketball and golf, St. Louis Cardinals baseball and MSU Bears basketball teams.

John’s family and friends were his life. He was willing to help anyone anytime. He was part of an awesome group of friends affectionately called “The Ozark Gang.” He was the coordinator of many float trips and get togethers. He loved his kids, grands and greats to no end and passed onto them his love of the rivers and lakes. Papa’s hugs, smiles and love will be greatly missed.

John’s celebration of life will be held Saturday November 4 at 1 pm at Adams Funeral Home Ozark MO preceded by visitation at noon. He will be buried at Linden Cemetery at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to a charity of one’s choice.