John W. Berlekamp Jr. Jr.

John Walter Berlekamp, Jr. was born to John Walter Berlekamp, Sr. and Laura Berlekamp (McClintock) on July 23, 1933, in Slater, Missouri where he lived through his High School years. He passed away on July 12, 2025 in Mount Vernon, Missouri.

Following high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force and achieved the rank of Airman 1st Class. He was sent to Engineering School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia where he received training in cartography. He was then assigned to Rapid City, South Dakota, and eventually stationed in West Drayton, London, England. He was honorably discharged in August of 1955 and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1959.

John married his high school sweetheart, Joann Mildred Johnson in September of 1952. She immediately accompanied him throughout his military travels. They were blessed with three children, Joseph Donald (1955), Jill Diane (1957), and Janet Lee (1960). He was preceded in death by both parents. He is survived by his wife, all three children, 5 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

While raising a family, John attended college at the University of Missouri – Kansas City, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, a Masters of Arts degree in Secondary Administration, and an Educational Specialists degree in Superintendency. He taught Math and Science in Jr. High School, then became an assistant principal at the Lee's Summit, Missouri High School, and ultimately became a Superintendent at Boliver, Huntsville, and East Newton, Missouri school districts.

The family resided in Kansas City, Mo, Overland Park, Ks, and Lee's Summit, Mo., and then in Bolivar, Huntsville, and Grandy, Mo during his time as superintendent. He retired from education in 1993, yet his involvement in educational organizations did not end there. He was a member and volunteered with the Missouri State Teachers Association, the Southwest Missouri Principals Association, and is an Honorary Life Member of the Missouri State Superintendents Association.

In retirement, John and Joann moved to Sun City Center, Florida and proceeded with an active lifestyle. They eventually returned to Missouri and settled in Springfield, Mo. He was a very active member of the Rotary Club for 28 years, and served as president of the local chapter twice, and in other officer capacities. He was also a member of the American Legion, DAV, and VFW.

John and Joann loved to travel and were fortunate to attend three International Rotary Conventions in Europe and went on many cruises to the Caribbean along with friends. John loved the natural environment, camping with family, landscaping around the home, and just tinkering in the garage, and most of all cherished spending quality time with family, usually with a grandchild or great-grandchild in his lap. He loved the tradition of telling the Christmas Story to all of the young ones. You could always count on him telling a good joke.

John was a devoted and active member of the Southern Baptist Church wherever their travels took them. He was an ordained deacon, teacher, Sunday school director, and helped start a new Friendship Baptist Church in Sun City Center, Florida in 1995. John was dedicated to attending church regardless of their location. He often expressed that his favorite hymns were 'Amazing Grace', 'At Calvary', 'He Included Me', 'Love Lifted Me', and most of all 'The King is Coming'.

In Johns last two years, he resided at the Missouri Veterans Home in Mount Vernon, Mo, where he received excellent care and made many new friends.