John Orville Sykes

John Orville Sykes, 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19th, in Huntington Beach, California.

John is survived by his wife, Geraldine, his daughters Julie Hogan (Chris) and Jennifer Covington (Thomas). John is also survived by his three grandchildren, Foster Covington, Rachel Covington, and Zachary Hogan. He is survived by his brother, Royce Sykes. Preceding him in death are his parents, Curtis and Katherine Sykes and his sister, Marjorie Heath.

John grew up in the city of St. Louis where he excelled in academics. He had a rich heritage of Biblical teaching from Lafayette Park Church of the Nazarene. At age 10, he gave his heart to Jesus. He was active in the Nazarene Young Peoples Society, writing skits in his teen years. He entered college at Olivet Nazarene College where he met his wife, Geraldine, as they were both in the cast of a drama. He was a leader in his class, serving as president of the Sociology Club and the Science Club. He was active in the music department, singing tenor in choir. John graduated in 1959 with a double major of Chemistry and Zoology.

John and Geraldine were married on June 22, 1963. He took the state pharmacy boards soon after the honeymoon after graduating with honors from the Saint Louis College of Pharmacy.

John had a great love of classical music and church hymns. He served as a long-time member of church choirs. A highlight for John and his wife was singing Handel’s Messiah to non-English audiences on a choir trip to Russia.

John was a good husband, a loving father, and a sweet Boppa. He will be remembered by his friends and family for his great sense of humor, his practical jokes, his thirst for knowledge, his love of the Lord, and his appetite for reading great literature.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to one of the following organizations John contributed to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Wycliffe Bible Translators, and World Gospel Mission.

Visitation will be held at Gateway Church of the Nazarene, 11703 Old Saint Charles Road in Bridgeton, on Sunday, August 30 from 3:00-4:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the church at 4:00 pm for friends and family. If you are unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at the following web address: https://www.facebook.com/gatewaynazstl/live

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Baue Funeral Homes does require all family members and guests to wear a mask while visiting our facilities. Social distancing is required, and guests should stay at least 6 feet apart. Thank you for your understanding.