John Oscar Kekec

John Oscar Kekec of Bonne Terre passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the age of 88.

John was born February 10, 1934 in Pittsburg, Kansas to Edith Pugh and John Frederic Kekec.  He is survived by Mary Kekec, his wife of 66 years; sister, Ramona Dayhoff; children, Ed (Bev), Stan (Cindy), Donna Wayne (Mark), Larry (Dawn); 12 grandchildren, Brian, Amanda, Jon, David, AJ, Susie, Elle, Jana, Kourtney, Karson, Karter and Kooper and 11 great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.  

He was an athlete, US Army veteran, engineer, professor and author. His athletic ability and love of baseball always included a family favorite story of the time he threw out Mickey Mantle and received an offer to play for the Cincinnati Reds. He enlisted in the Army in 1954. After serving his country, he pursued a degree in engineering.  He worked in the aerospace industry during summers while teaching at Mineral Area College. In retirement, John’s appetite for reading and passion for writing led him to become an established author. His publications included historical fiction, theory, family history and poetry.

John loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and working with his bird dogs.  John and Mary enjoyed bird watching and shared a love of genealogy, which led to several treasured co-authored books. He avidly attended family events and valued relationships with family and friends over anything else.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home, 313 Benham St, Bonne Terre, MO on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 2:00pm until time of Service at 5:00pm with Pastor Chuck Lotz officiating. A graveside family and Veteran service will take place Sunday, January 22, 2023 2:00pm at Union Cemetery in Galena, Kansas. Please send donations, in lieu of flowers, to Mineral Area College/MAC Foundation. 

Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z, Boyer and Son Funeral Home is Bonne Terre. View obituary and share condolences online at www.www.czboyer.com