Javez J St. John

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Javez J. St. John, age 95, a longtime resident of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, passed peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the Eastern Nebraska Veteran’s Home in Bellevue, Nebraska.  Javez “John” was born February 26, 1928 to James E. and Hulda W. (Paweleck) St. John in Woodsboro, Texas. He attended elementary school in Corpus Christi, Texas, and received his GED at March Air Force Base, California.

“John” was the great-great grandson of Edmond St. John and Julia O’Brien. They were original colonist of the Power-Hewetson Colony from County Tipperary, Ireland. They were given land grants by the Mexican government to settle Tejas (Texas).  Dad’s ancestors signed the Goliad Declaration of Independence from Mexico. They were Texas Rangers, soldiers, officers, scouts, and couriers in the Texas War for Independence, making Texas a free, sovereign, and independent state.

Our father joined the Army Air Corp in 1946 and was a Vietnam Veteran. He served 26 years in the Air Force and achieved the rank of CMSGT. Dad was stationed at Offutt A.F.B. when he met Ethel May Bethel. They were united in marriage December 1, 1949 at the Methodist parsonage in Plattsmouth. This union was blessed with three daughters; Glennia, Velinda “Lindy” and Judy. Mom and Dad were married approximately 72 years.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, they made their home in Plattsmouth on the family farm. For 10 years, Dad was sexton of Oak Hill Cemetery. He was active in the CB Club, lifetime member of VFW Post 2543, Color Guard for VFW, and served on the Stull School Board. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, family gatherings, horseback riding, and life on the farm – including livestock. Friends and family joked about the “St. John funny farm”. Mom described Dad as a “social butterfly ad party animal.”

Dad was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hulda St. John, brother Clarence Ragel, and his beloved wife, Ethel May St. John.

Among those who survive and gratefully shared his life are daughters Glennia (Gene) Sand of Plattsmouth, NE; Velinda (Dave) Peterson of Essex, IA;  Judy (Wayne) Stohlmann of Milford, NE; Grandchildren Kathy (Gary) Bellmyer of Griswold, IA; Aaron Sand of Plattsmouth, NE, Brandy Sell of St. Joe, MO; Troy Peterson of Essex, IA; Bryan (Michelle) Stohlmann of Verdigre, NE; Aren Stohlmann of Kansas City, MO; 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, as well as numerous friends and family members.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the Harvey Funeral Home Chapel in Plattsmouth, NE. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 22, 2024, from 1 – 8 PM, with family greeting friends from 6 – 8 at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude.