John Vote (Bolivar)'s Obituary
John Vote, Jr., 78, of Morrisville, MO passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Cox Medical Center in Springfield, MO.
John was born July 2, 1940 near Morrisville, MO to John and Mildred Long Vote. After High School, John went on to serve his country faithfully in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed teasing his brothers that in his time with the Marines, he spent more time on ships then they had in the Navy. John loved his time in the Marines, and was able to serve in Hong Kong, Guam, Philippines and Japan. During his time abroad, he especially enjoyed representing the Corp as a boxer.
After being discharged, John moved back to the Morrisville area, where he met Bonnie on a blind date in the fall of 1962 and were married January 25, 1963. He began working at Hormel as a butcher. He worked alongside his brother, Ron as a butcher at Slagle, MO. He worked at Bolivar Meat Locker plant. It was there that he met and trained his good friend, Tom Wilson. He also worked at a meat locker plant in Siloam Springs, AR. He also worked for Bill Grant’s Dairy Farm for over 16 years and was known as Bill’s right-hand man.
In what little spare time he had, John enjoyed fishing. He was always happy to reel in a big catfish. He was also a big music fan and had an extensive collection of vinyl records. John also enjoyed putting his farm skills to use in his own garden where he loved to grow tomatoes. Even in a hot year, he could grow up to 80 plants.
John loved his family dearly and leaves behind a legacy of hard work and service to others.
John is preceded in death by his parents; John William Vote, Sr. and Mildred Vote. He is also preceded by his brother, Ronald Leon Vote, and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Sue Vote and Grandchild Baby Hickman.
John is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Bays Vote of Morrisville, and his children: Ronda Crabtree and husband JR of Willard, MO, Gina Phillips and husband David of Aldrich, MO, Lisa Hickman and husband Lullel of Walnut Grove, Mo, and John J. Vote and wife Julie of Socorro, NM.
John is also survived by his grandchildren; Heather Singell (David), Brian Butler (Codie), Derrick Phillips (Rachel), Rachel Swortwood (M.J.), Logan Hickman, Lacy Jones (Juan), McKenna Kiah (Joey), Emily Vote, Olivia Vote, Angel Guevara, Cody Crabtree (Kelsey) and Holly Crabtree (Danny). He is also survived by his great-grandchildren; Constance, Ivy and Paige Singell, Addison Butler, Amira and Alyah Jones, Caden, Bristol, Carson and Rider Crabtree, Hunter Howerton and the soon to be Gracie Swortwood.
He is also survived by his siblings; Roger Vote and wife Sharon, Jim Vote and wife Loretta, Mary Wytroval, Richard Vote and wife Brenda, Earl Vote and wife Emma, and David Vote and wife Beverly.
And many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Contributions can be made in John’s name to the Veterans’ Home in Mt. Vernon.
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