John William Fears

John William Fears, of Flint Hill, MO, passed away Friday, September 16, 2022 at the age of 65. John is the beloved son of Bertha Marlene Fears and the late John David Fears; loving husband of 43 years to Helen Fears; devoted father of John Patrick Fears and Thomas (Jaimie) Fears; dear brother of Donna Jean (Steve Earl Sr.) Thurmond; brother in-law to Terence Hughes, James (Mirjana) Hughes, John Patrick Hughes, Neil (Carol) Hughes, Anthony Ian Hughes; Uncle to Jason Netherton, Adam Netherton, Steven Earl Thurmond, Jr.,Tabitha Jean (Michael) Ransom, Becky Renee (Jeff) Melton, Eva Lee Thurmond, Andrew James Hughes, Samantha Jane (Stephen) Buttle; Great Uncle to Elle Jean Rennick, Blake William Rennick, Ethan Thomas Melton, Tanner Reed Melton, Stanley Buttle, Savanna Skye Hughes, Edward Buttle, Florence Rita Buttle, and Gabriel Lincoln Hughes. John was also a cousin, and friend to many. 

John returned to St. Louis area in 1982 where he worked in the Veterans Office while attending university. John and Helen bought their first home in Moline Acers. John wasted no time pursuing his computer science degree often taking night and summer classes while also working. John and Helen also became pregnant in 1983 with their first child John Patrick. Two years, 9 months later their second child Thomas Michael was born after moving into their second home in Ferguson. As if John and Helen needed more on their plate at this time they fully renovated and restored their new to them home at this time which ultimately took seven years to complete. While still in school, John had an opportunity to apply for a position at Monsanto working in a mainframe room. John got the job which began his long career with the company that spanned over 33 years through numerous mergers ultimately resulting in his working for Pfizer as a Director, Risk Management & Compliance Business Technology, Quality & Compliance Human Resources & Corporate before retiring in 2018 due to his ongoing battle with cancer. During John’s time at Pfizer, he loved his job and all of his colleagues. He enjoyed working with and supporting his team and took a vested interest in their continued success. He always wanted to aid in the advancement of their careers. John Graduated from Washington University on May 15th 1987 with his Bachelor of Science in Systems and Data Processing. 

John moved his family to O’Fallon MO moving in on January 4th 1994 and stayed there for 12 years in the Twin Chimneys subdivision. John and Helen raised their two children here and life was good making many memories of family and friends during this time. John enjoyed all of the joys of fatherhood and continued his hobby of running and exercising as well as constructing numerous home improvements such as a beautiful back patio and finished basement.  John and Helen enjoyed travel during this time with the kids and even some travel through work. 

In March of 2005, John and Helen completed the construction of their ultimate dream home in Josephville MO near Wentzville.  After moving in, John received the worrying news of his initial cancer diagnosis. John was diagnosed with prostate cancer and received treatment for 18 years. During those 18 years John fought endlessly and maintained a positive outlook always believing that a cure was on the horizon. He never gave up the fight. He wanted to remain with his family at all costs regardless of his own personal sufferings and was a true hero in the eyes of his wife and children. John and Helen lived in Josephville for 14 years amazing years filled with fun times and great neighbors. John continued to enjoy improving this home too as was John’s nature. John decided that in the interest of providing security and stability for his wife in the event of his passing he would downsize their home and find someplace nearby to call their final home. John and Helen moved into their last home in nearby Wentzville MO in 2019 where they continue to live to this day. 

Throughout John’s life he was constantly in service of others. Always there to lend a hand for family and friends helping numerus with their home projects and other needs. John was the definition of dependable. John’s life was immeasurably improved by the loving support he received from his family. His numerous brothers in law all played a huge role in his life and he loved them all dearly and would want them to know how grateful he was for all they have done through the years.  John was blessed with some loving friendships throughout his life which he treasured. Jarvis Lyndon Nathan was John’s best friend in Ft. Carson CO but sadly died very young in 1988. Dan Bender was John’s best friend in the 509th and they stayed in contact until Dan’s death in 2018 aged 63. John met Greg Soloman as a young boy through church and became known to John’s children as Uncle Greg and is regarded as family. Steve Vago is John’s best friend since meeting through Helen’s child care business. Steve’s friendship over the years helped John immensely not only through tough times regarding health but also just with enjoying life and socializing.  John was fortunate to have amazing and loving parents who supported him through all his pursuits. John’s Father passed away far too young and John was always there for his Mom and sister in his place. No one could have made a mother more proud. He was a loving and caring son and brother. 

John was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His spirit will continue to be with us in our hearts. 

Memorials may be made in John's name to Tunnel to Towers.