John Bumgarner, 65, Springfield, Mo., died December 30, 2009. The son of John Sr. and Edna Bumgarner, John was born April 28, 1944 in Hays, Kan. He was reared by his paternal grandparents, Elton and Fannie Belle Bumgarner. John grew up on a farm near Northview, Mo. At a very young age, John showed a unique talent for independent thinking and entrepreneurial spirit. As a used car dealer, he bought a used limousine and discovered how poorly it was made; he knew he could do better, and created his first stretch limousine. Building on that success, he started Executive Coach Builders, then a second company, Springfield Coach Builders. In 2006, he was inducted into the Limousine Digest Hall of Fame at the Limousine Digest Show in Atlantic City. Soon others followed John’s lead and began manufacturing limousines in Springfield, making the city known worldwide as the Limousine Capital of the World. At one time, there were seven limousine manufacturing companies in the area. John was known for his generosity, creativity and self-determination. One of his greatest joys was providing for his family. John had many friends and employees who will greatly miss him. John was preceded in death by grandparents, Elton and Fannie Bumgarner; and his father, John Bumgarner Sr. He is survived by his wife Kathy, of the home; mother, Edna Steed; daughter, Jana and her husband Larry Vernon; a son, Chris Bumgarner; step-children, Andy Pursley and wife Lavonna, Sara Parkhurst, David Parkhurst; granddaughter, Allison Vernon; step-granddaughters, Jessica Pursley and Addison Parkhurst; cousins, Vera and Leroy Drake, Don and Kathy Bumgarner, Gene and Kathy Bumgarner and Robert and Julie Bumgarner; brother-in-law, Tim Shelton and his wife Linda, their children Becky and Julie and her husband Jason Highfill; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Shelton; and John’s first wife, Janet Buffington. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 5, in Greenlawn East, 3540 E. Seminole. The Reverend Dean Flanner will officiate. Visitation will be in the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 4. Memorial donations can be made to Edward Jones, 3000 E. Sunshine, 65804, on behalf of John’s grandchildren’s college fund.