John H. Metzgar

John Harrison Metzgar was born Feb. 27, 1941 to Willis Bryan Metzgar and Ann Louise Bremen Metzgar in Sandy Spring, Maryland. He passed away Jan. 7, 2020 at Mosaic Life Care in St. Joseph following a short courageous battle with cancer.

John spent his career as a physical education teacher with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS) in Germany, Okinawa, Japan, and Seoul, Korea. He was an advocate for being involved with a life-long physical activity. He golfed, bowled, and participated in numerous golf events and 5K’s. Notably, he participated in every Red Rock Fun Run in Mound City except the 29 ^th event this past July 4 as his health did not permit—but he got his shirt at a doctor’s visit!

Upon John’s retirement from teaching overseas, he relocated to Mound City, MO to be near his father. About 20 years ago John joined the Winter Texans in search of a warmer climate to golf, walk, and enjoy other outdoor and lifelong physical activities. Locals enjoyed his spring return when he would bring fresh picked grapefruit. During the summers and winters, he shared his beautiful, fragrant roses with neighbors and friends in both Missouri and Texas.

John enjoyed his toys—a red and white airplane; a red motorcycle; and a red golf cart! His other hobbies were growing roses, tending to fruit trees, doing research at the public library, reading the Wall Street Journal, and driving through the Squaw Creek Refuge eyeing Bald Eagles and other wildlife. He also planted some trees at the Mound City Golf Course for beautification.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first cousins, Jerry Metzgar Heck, Joyce Metzgar Sutherland, and Harold Metzgar; and his canine friend, Checkers.

He is survived by first cousins, Tom (Connie) Metzgar of Trenton, MO, Phyllis Metzgar Chaney of Harrisonville, MO, Jesse (Agnes) Metzgar of Battle Creek, MI, Bill (Karma) Metzgar of Mound City, MO, and Lila and Ann Metzgar of Kansas City, MO; friend, Ellen Belbas whom he met in Texas; along with numerous other cousins and friends, co-workers, and teammates.

Services: Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020, 10:30 a.m., at Chamberlain Funeral Home, Mound City. The family will greet friends beginning one hour prior to the service. Interment: Mount Hope Cemetery, Mound City MO. Family and friends are welcome to a lunch following the services at The First Christian Church, 402 E. 5 ^th , Mound City, MO. Memorials: Holt County Cancer Fund Inc., 202 N. Harrison St., Oregon MO 64473.