John David Schrimpf II

John David Schrimpf II, 78 of Lake Ozark, Missouri, passed peacefully with his wife and sister, Elizabeth, by his side on Tuesday, August 20, 2024 at Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri. John was born September 11, 1945 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the son of the late Paul C. and Lenia (Boots) Schrimpf. He was a graduate of Albert Einstein High School in Kensington, Maryland, where he met the love of his life and future bride. He received his BA in 1976 from Columbia College and his MA from Webster College in 1978. John was diligent about pursuing his military education as well and graduated from the US Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA in 1988.
In January 1967, John was united in marriage to Gail Anne Chaney at St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church in Wheaton, Maryland, and they would become the proud parents of three beautiful daughters.
John served proudly in the U.S. Army and Missouri Army National Guard, retiring after 26 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career he served two tours of duty in Vietnam, various stateside Army posts to include several assignments at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, home of the Amy's Field Artillery, a 3-year tour of duty in Germany, and culminating his career back in Missouri where he proudly served as Commander of the 1/128th Field Artillery Battalion in Columbia, Missouri. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star w/"V" Device (2 awards), and the Purple Heart.
John was an avid hunter and fisherman and he enjoyed going to auctions to find antique furniture especially oak ice boxes that he loved to refinish. He also learned to cook with the help of the Food Network and became quite the chef surprising family and friends with some of his culinary delights. And lastly, his life-long love for music and dancing was an ever present theme; he rarely missed an opportunity to twirl his wife around a dance floor and even shared his skills with his daughters on important occasions.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Gail and his three children, Kimberly A. Fox and her fiance, Daniel Wellborn, Kelly M. Locker, Keri E. (Chris) Schrimpf, and five grandchildren, Alec Rand, Nathan Locker, Kaitlyn Locker, Alivia Schrimpf and Isabelle Schrimpf. He is also survived by his brother Charles B. Schrimpf (Karen), and sisters, Elizabeth A. Schrimpf and Christinia D. Snow (Jeff Harris), and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Jody A. Roscoe, Janice L. Pippin and Mark D. Schrimpf.
Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, September 6, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Houser-Millard Funeral Home, Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 10:00 am at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Fisher House in St. Louis, PO Box 998, Fenton, MO 63026.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com