John Lynn McFarland

John Lynn McFarland was born Jan. 30, 1946, in Nevada, Vernon County, Mo., the youngest of five children born to Tom and Audra McFarland. John grew up on the family farm just outside of Moundville. He attended school at Moundville for the early years then attended school at Bronaugh. He graduated in 1964.

John played basketball at Bronaugh which resulted in a scholarship to Drury upon graduation. In addition to school activities, John worked on the family farm and worked for other farmers in the summer months hauling hay and grain and caring for livestock.

John completed one year at Drury and then enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in England for much of his service time although he often spoke of a very cold period of time in Rantoul, Ill. When his enlistment ended, he returned to Vernon County where he worked in a furniture store for a time. John was involved in various enterprises including apartment ownership, operating heavy equipment and working in a cement block plant.

In 1974, he became employed by the Missouri Division of Employment Security initially at Joplin, then at Grandview and finally, at the central office in Jefferson City. He worked for a time in the training section and then began conducting hearings in the appeals section where he met Bonnie. They were married in 1994. John retired in 2007.

John was a man of strong principles who often extended assistance to others quietly and unobtrusively. He read extensively and enjoyed the challenge of learning and doing new things and hearing new ideas. He enjoyed the outdoors and the activities associated with farm life.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Audra McFarland; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two brothers-in-law, Carroll Reed and Robert Gordon; his uncle, Omer Whitworth and

Omer's wife, Bobbie; and an aunt, Iva Shaw and her husband, Ira.

He is survived by two sisters, Iva Reed and Ruth Gordon; and two brothers, Clem and Bill. He is also survived by five nieces and five nephews and their children for whom he cared deeply.

John passed away as a result of a tractor accident in Shannon County on March 31, on the property where he and Bonnie were planning to build a home.

John was a gentle person, a man who found humor in unexpected places. He was a man of honor and a caring and considerate person.

Family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made in memory of John to the charity of your choice, Salvation Army, American Diabetes Association, or the Cancer Research Institute.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 4, at 10 a.m., at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Eminence, Mo., with Alan Stringer and Allen Bates officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home of Eminence, Mo. Online condolences can be sent to www.duncanfuneralhomes.com.