John M. Greer, Sr.

John Mars Greer, 92, of Poplar Bluff was born August 23, 1924 in Poplar Bluff and departed this life Thursday, March 2, 2017 to join his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In November of 1942, John married his love and soulmate, Mamie Silkwood, and spent the remaining seventy-four years of his life devoted to her happiness and care. The first of John and Mamie’s six children was born in 1943, shortly before John entered service in the Philippines during World War II. After the war, John returned to Poplar Bluff and like his father and grandfather before him, provided for his young family as a carpenter and builder.

John established his own construction company and completed many building projects in and around Poplar Bluff and throughout southeast Missouri. With Ernest Hammons, John completed construction of Burger Chef in December of 1967. The restaurant was the first fast food dining spot in Poplar Bluff to offer inside seating. John and Ernest opened three restaurants which converted to Hardee’s in 1983.

While John was grateful for the blessings of his work, it was his humble spirit, love of his wife and family and dedication to his faith and church that better defined him as a person. John led with a servant’s heart and generously shared himself and his love with others. In the church he helped build, he served as a deacon and as a trustee for more than five decades.

John was preceded in death by his parents Dewitt and Estelle Greer, four brothers, four sisters, a grandchild and a great grandchild. He is survived by his beloved wife Mamie, sister Margaret Schlosser of Arnold, Missouri, son John and wife Sherry of Guntown, Mississippi, son Ron and wife Tanya of Claremore, Oklahoma, son Jim and wife Mary of Wheaton, Illinois, son Bob and wife Vicky of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, son Roger and wife MariAnne of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter Nancy Pence and husband Tim of Camdenton, Missouri, sixteen grand-children, thirty-seven great grand-children, three great great grand-children and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at First Baptist Church with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Pastor Brandon Spain of First Baptist Church and Dr. William Vail will officiate. Burial will be in the Garner Addition of Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in John's memory to First Baptist Church "Now and Forever Fund", c/o First Baptist Church, 551 North Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901