John Henry Pearson

John Henry Pearson 94 of Batavia, passed away July 26, 2019, at Good Samaritan Society in Ottumwa.

John was the first of twelve children born August 20, 1924, to Ray and Mildred (Sellers) Pearson.  He graduated high school at Bentonsport, IA.  John enlisted in the Navy in 1944 where he served on the Battleship South Dakota till the end of the war.  He married Margaret Cochran February 11, 1950.  They had one son Leslie John and were devoted to each other until her passing 37 years later.  John loved to play cribbage and visit with friends and relatives laughing at Margaret’s jokes and telling stories.  He was an accomplished carpenter and could build what ever you wanted.  John was soft spoken and kind to all.  He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his 4 grandchildren, Sandy Keine, Amy Jordon, Eric Pearson and Hayden Combs; daughter-in-law, Cindy Pearson of Sandy Springs, OK; siblings, David Pearson of Agency, Judith Wilkinson of Bloomfield and Evy Harris of Ottumwa; sisters-in-law Carmen Pearson, Glenda Pearson and Patty Pearson; several step children and step grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and his special friend, Betty Pearson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his 3 wives, Margaret, Kathleen and Lillian; son, Leslie Pearson; 4 sisters, Doris Saner, Josephine Anderson, Margaret Hall and Chloe Hewitt.; and 4 brothers, Ralph, James, Roscoe and George Pearson.

Visitation for family & friends will be 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 31, 2019, at Behner Funeral Home.  Funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Albert officiating.  Burial with Military Honors will be at Batavia Cemetery.

In-lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Batavia American Legion and Shriners.  Cards and memorials may be mailed to Carl Hearn, 1371 220th Street, Batavia, IA 52533.