John William Ousley 1925-2008

John William Ousley, son of the late Nathan Ousley and Cora (Manson) Ousley, was born in Waynesville, Missouri on March 16, 1925.

He enjoyed working with his hands, flowers and gardening, cooking for his family, teasing and joking around with people and close friends. He was known as smiling in his later years. He always enjoyed making people laugh.

John married Mary Pearl (Miles) Ousley on August 23, 1946. They lived in St. Louis, Missouri and were blessed with three daughters: Katherine Schwartzmeyer, Patricia Gordon (married to Darold Gordon) and Dorothy Waddell (married to Harry Waddell).

John had six grandchildren: Brandon, Brian Schwartzmeyer, Jermiah (Deceased), Malyndia (Deceased) and Clayton Waddell and Catherine Gordon.

He worked at American Can Company and retired at the age of 60. He then moved to farm in Crocker, Missouri in 1986 and lived there until 2005 when he moved in with his daughter and son-in-law in Carthage, Missouri. In August 2008, John then moved into the nursing home.

He passed away in his sleep on December 21, 2008 at 9:20 A.M. in Webb City, Missouri and the Webb City Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.

John was preceded in death by his wife, after 54 years of marriage on December 14, 2000; one sister: Bitha Betty Crossland; and two brothers: Luther Toad Ousley and William Tooter Ousley.

He will be missed, but remembered by his daughters and family and friends.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2008 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Christopher Hendrix officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang Daddys Hands and I Know Who Holds Tomorrow. The songs Deck of Cards by Bill Anderson and The Green Beret by Johnny Cash were also played. Serving as escorts were Darold Gordon, Greg York, Chuck Ousley, Danny Crossland, Clayton Waddell and Brian Schwartzmeyer.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of John Ousley to the American Alzheimers Association and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.