John Baptist "Jr" LaBarge

John Baptist LaBarge, Jr.

February 14, 1938-August 18, 2025

John Baptist LaBarge, Jr., age 87, passed away on Monday, August 18th surrounded with love by his wife and children.

John Jr. was born and raised in St. Charles, MO. John grew up with a large family, consisting of his parents, John and Mary, and his 7 siblings. In 1956, John enlisted in the U.S. Army when he turned 18 years old and continued serving until 1959. That same year, John met the love of his life, Pat LaBarge (nee Dietzman), who he married on January 16, 1960. John and Pat celebrated 65 years of marriage this past January.

John drove a concrete truck for Kienstra Ready Mix for 30 years and retired from Teamsters Local 682 in 1998. He enjoyed camping and floating on the river with his family. An avid fisherman who instilled his love of fishing onto his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. John also enjoyed watching Cardinals baseball games and old westerns, including Gunsmoke and Bonanza. He kept himself busy with many home projects and could build or repair whatever came his way. He never hesitated to go out of his way to help family and friends with their needs, both big and small.

John and Pat enjoyed traveling to new places with their kids and grandkids and lovingly provided each grandkid with a special trip. In their later years, John and Pat found joy in long car rides, visiting garage sales, and attending their great grandkid's sports events.

John is survived by his wife, Pat and his four children: Richard LaBarge, Rochelle (Mike) Sawyer, Roger LaBarge, and Mary Kretz. Respected father-in-law to Mike Muehlbauer. Loving grandfather of 16 grand kids, 38 great grandkids, and 3 great-great grandkids. Adored brother of Leona Lewis and Shirley Dickson.

John is preceded in death by his daughter, Renay Muehlbauer (nee LaBarge), son-in-law John Kretz; daughter-in-law Barb LaBarge; grandson Benjamin LaBarge; brothers Maurice, Harold, and Glennon; and sisters Mildred and Velma.

"It's not the end of trail for me; I've just traveled on, you see.

Up ahead where greener pastures grow, and cool water streams dance as they flow.

Flowers in bloom of every sort and kind, colors more vivid than I've left behind.

Family and friends I haven't seen in years, hugs and handshakes and no more tears.

They've welcomed me home here today, a place of peace for me to stay. They say it's my home for eternity; no, it's not the end of the trail for me." - Robert Dawson