John Terrence Selby

John Terrence Selby died peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Sunset Home, surrounded by family. John, also known as "Terry" in his youth, was born June 12, 1946, the only child of Kenneth Ivan Selby and Margaret Frances Brown Selby.

Growing up in Quincy, John attended St. Boniface and St. Mary grade schools before graduating from Christian Brothers high school in 1964. His first job was working with his father at the A&W on North 12th Street. He graduated from Quincy College with a Bachelor's Degree in History in 1968. On August 2, 1969, he married Margaret Carol Meier, a remarkable woman who would forever prove to be the love of his life. He obtained his Master's Degree in History Education from Northeast Missouri State University. A man of great faith, he was a dedicated educator within the Quincy Catholic school system teaching at Quincy Notre Dame high school and serving as principal at St. John and St. Francis grade schools. John ended his working career as the manager of the Hotel Quincy. In retirement, John was fortunate to experience countless chance encounters with his former students about town, all of whom expressed sincere gratitude for the positive impact he had on their lives.

John enjoyed seeing the world outside of Quincy. Beginning with a honeymoon trip to New Orleans, John and Carol traveled throughout all of their married life, taking their boys Stephen and Christopher on annual summer vacations to national monuments, national parks, and historical sites all across the U.S., including Washington D.C., Wyoming, Michigan, Texas, New Mexico, and Florida. Following retirement, John and Carol made frequent trips to Las Vegas and one very memorable Northern European Capitols cruise for their 40th wedding anniversary.

John loved his two boys and did all he could to provide them with opportunities for a better life. He supported each son as they earned their college degrees. He helped both sons purchase and renovate their first homes. He beamed with happiness at their weddings and basked in the affection of his two daughters-in-law. He immensely loved all of his grandchildren and cherished the time he got to spend watching them grow up. He took great pride in their accomplishments while always believing there would be many more to come.

John is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret Carol, and his sons, Stephen Michael (Christina) of Quincy and John Christopher (Jennifer) of Iowa City, IA. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Emma Carolyn, and his grandsons, Patrick Joseph, Vincent Robert, William Michael, and Lucas Daniel. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Hansen-Spear in Quincy, IL.

Visitation: 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Funeral: 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Blessed Sacrament Parish with Rev. Tom Meyer officiating.

Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Quincy, IL

Memorials: Quincy Notre Dame or Blessed Sacrament Parish. Memorial donations may be made online at: https://memorials.hansenspear.com/.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.