John Queen

The family of John Martin Queen is sad to announce his passing on February 25, 2026 at his home in Springfield, Missouri. John was born on November 27, 1960, the third child of Clarence “Rusty” Queen and Aileen Ellingsworth Queen.

John is survived by his two sons, Mihran and Merek Queen; ex-wife, Janice Haase Queen; and stepson, Damian Haase and family. Also surviving is John’s sister, Debbie Queen Bentley and Mark Bentley; nieces and nephews, Johnna Queen Smith and family, Jamie Bentley, Josh Bentley and family and Jake Bentley. Preceding John in death are his parents, and his sisters, Shirley Queen Clark and Janice Queen Simons.

John grew up in Springfield, attended Parkview High School and went on to graduate from SMS with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design, Printmaking and Drawing. He was awarded the Presidents Scholarship in 1978 and was notorious as a dynamic presence in the Art Department at that time. After graduating in 1981, John became a freelance graphic designer and later was employed as a graphic designer by the city of Austin, TX as well as many businesses in Springfield including the Springfield Business Journal and TJ Sales Company. John was active in the arts community as a member of the Jordan Creek Art Center and the Chameleon Puppet Theatre and developed designs for their art exhibitions and productions. He was also a tireless member of the PTA at Rountree Elementary where his children attended, writing grants for school improvements and creating designs for fundraising and sports teams.

Besides his involvements in the arts community, John was an avid collector of music and media. He worked for many years at Camelot Music and shared his love and knowledge of music with family members and friends throughout his life. His archive of music history was one to be admired by all. John also shared his love of visual and performing arts, encouraging his children, nieces and nephews to pursue their creative interests and shared his artistic expertise at any opportunity. From an early age, John was a lover of literature, collected and shared books as gifts for birthdays and was always on the lookout for new writers as well as the classics.

John will be missed by many who valued his quirky sense of humor, his willingness to delve into a subject at length for the fun of the discussion and to share his love for plants, animals and the wonders of the world. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, worked with him and loved him. Rest in Peace, John.