John L. Girth, 83, of Springfield passed away Saturday, January 14 at Cox South Medical Center.
John was the son of John L. (Lee) Girth and Florence E. Morrison. He is survived by his wife, Vivian, of Springfield; son Michael of Springfield, sister Ruth Maxine Reynolds of Springfield, stepson, Gary Welsh (Barbara) of Bluffton, SC; stepdaughter, Pam Thompson, of Springfield and Tracy Stewart, also of Springfield. He is also survived by grandchildren Tyler Thompson, Tara Thompson and Lindsay Stewart and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
John was born in Springfield, graduated from Senior (now Central) High School and attended Southwest Mo State Teachers College (now Missouri State University) before enlisting in the US Marine Corps. He proudly served with the Marines in Korea during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. Following his service he began a long career with International Harvester Company in Michigan, Illinois and Missouri.
John was an active member of the Korean War Vets of the Ozarks, serving as commander. He was also a member of Brentwood Christian Church where he served as VP of the Board and President of Mens Fellowship, Deacon and Elder.
In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society. In addition a memorial fund has been established at Brentwood Christian Church.
A memorial service will be held at Brentwood Christian Church, 1900 E. Barataria, Springfield , MO,on Wednesday, January 18 at 9:30 a.m.
Inurnment will follow with military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood, Springfield, MO.
Services will have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 W. Battlefield, Springfield, Missouri.