Funeral Services for John Donald Gadeken age 86 of Springfield, MO. will be held at 2 PM, Friday, February 4, 2011 at Branson United Methodist Church in Branson with Pastor Ross Fulton officiating. Burial will follow in Ozarks Memorial Park in Branson, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home of Branson.
He died at 3:49AM, Monday, January 31, 2011 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, MO.
He was born on January 13, 1925 in Neligh, NE the son of John and Marie Gadeken. He and his wife were the former owners of the Sears Catalog Store in Branson. He was also a United States Army Veteran having served on the European front during WW II where he was the recipient of the Silver and Bronze Stars. He was a resident of Branson for 39 years.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years: Melva Joyce Gadeken of Springfield, MO., four children: Carol Parker and husband Larry of Springfield, MO., Kay Rozell and husband David of Branson, MO., Gary Gadeken and wife Sara of St. Louis, MO., Connie Thompson and husband Lowell of Lexington, KY., One sister,: Lucille Backhus of Seattle, WA., one brother: Eugene Gadeken of Tullahoma, TN., five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his his parents, a daughter, Beverly Gadeken and eight brothers and sisters.
Visitation will be from 1 PM till time of service on Friday, February 4, 2011 at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Branson United Methodist Church, 1208 W. Hwy 76, Branson, MO. 65616.