John Howard Back, 97, of Springfield, died peacefully in his sleep on July 7, 2026. 

Back was born on July 25, 1928 in Oswego, Kansas to W.T. and Gladys Back. He graduated from Ozark High School in 1946, then married Bertha Jean Kent on Sept. 2, 1949.

Back’s life was spent in service to others and his country. He served with the U.S. Army in the Korean War, retiring in 1988 after 37 years and 7 months of service. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and the American Legion.

He was also trained as a physician’s assistant and worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons, retiring in 1978. His time included a 14-year stretch at U.S. Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, as well as federal prisons in West Virginia and Wisconsin.

He shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved Jean, who died in 2006. In later years, he found companionship and happiness with his second wife, Katherine; they were married for 17 years until her death in 2024.

Back’s attention to detail will remain legendary with his family for generations. He organized his life with meticulous lists and routines, and stuck to them where others would slack.

He graciously provided excellent documentation and careful arrangements of his affairs in advance of his death, and even wrote his own obituary. But, like the rest of his life, the obituary he wrote did not give himself enough credit, so forgive the family for not following this particular list item.

Back was particularly proud of his military service. Though his Boaz farm was hidden in the Ozark hills, away from the eyes of neighbors or drivers, he proudly flew a U.S. flag daily, observing all the customs and decorum the flag carries.

He was also a decorated Mason, associated with Billings Lodge No. 379. He earned the title of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour, a designation of high service, and was also a member of the Scottish Rite and Shriners.

He leaves behind a family saddened by his loss, but grateful for his love and heartwarmed over his reunion with Jean. The family includes daughter Ellen Dent and husband, Charles; granddaughter Katie Hopkins; great-grandsons Tobias and Oliver; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind cherished friends and his Masonic brothers, who were an important part of his extended family.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 13 and a Masonic service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 14, both at Greenlawn South. He will then be interred at Frazier Cemetery in Boaz. The family requests in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Honor Flight of the Ozarks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.