John Anthony Avers, age 59, of Strafford, Missouri, passed away on August 29, 2026, in his home. John was born to Jack C. Avers and Doris H. Jemes on October 6, 1966, in Springfield, Missouri. He was raised in Strafford and graduated from Strafford High School in 1985. John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Jacqueline Maria Olszewski on November 28, 1987, in Springfield, Missouri. John and Jackie shared 38 years of marriage before John’s sudden passing. The couple was blessed with two children; Lauren and Joshua Avers. 

 John was employed as a Professional Land Surveyor with MoDOT for 29 years and upon retiring dedicated his time to his own land survey business, the farm, and spending time with his family. When not working, he had many interests and hobbies including gardening, working his farm, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. He spent many afternoons tending to his garden or canning various goods, such as his famous beets, with the guidance from his friend Murray Young. He loved when the weather got cool and he could run his tractors and mow the fields. John treasured his time at home with the love of his life and best friend Jackie for whom he cared greatly. He enjoyed many family get-togethers including the family’s evening coffee where John often played guitar for the grandchildren.

Whether it was a dinner or a bonfire, John was always looking for ways to bring his family together. He really enjoyed family time on their annual OBX vacation. Deer season was especially special with opening day, like Christmas morning, the whole family together sharing stories over breakfast of the morning hunt. John will be remembered as a Godly man who served his family, his church, and his community. He was a proud member of New Beginnings Family Church where he served in various ways and sat every Sunday with his wife and his grandchildren. He was often described by others as an extremely hard worker, and someone who filled his time with various projects, most of which helped his family or friends.

John lived to serve his Savior and his family. He saw his grandbabies every day and worked hard to make sure he spent time with his wife and kids. John was full of fun stories and was someone with whom anyone could speak. He leaves behind many friends and a family that will miss him dearly.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Doris Avers; his grandparents, Tony (Irene) Avers, and Johnnie (Zelma) Jemes; and his mother-in-law, Jeanne Olszewski. He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Avers; his children, Joshua (Ashton) Avers and Lauren (James) Wilson; and his grandchildren, Madison and Mason Avers, and Thomas and Ruthie Wilson. He is also survived by his brothers, Jack Alan Avers, James (Buffy) Avers, and Jeff (Leah) Avers; his sister-in-law, Donnamarie Olszewski; and his nephews, Jeremiah, Samuel, Jacob, and Jonathon Avers along with Tevin and Jarrett Page.

A visitation for John will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. A celebration of life for John will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, 10:00 am, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North with burial to follow at his family cemetery, Good Spring, located in Niangua, Missouri. 

John loved all kids and was a supporter of St. Jude’s. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield, Missouri.