John D. McGuire, 69, House Springs

John D. McGuire, 69, of House Springs died Sept. 18, 2022, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County from complications of cancer. Mr. McGuire hitchhiked all over the U.S., taking odd jobs along the way, before becoming a surgical technician. He was a devout Christian, and he was interested in philosophy and theology. He was a great conversationalist and enjoyed telling stories of his travels. He enjoyed hunting for morel mushrooms, and he had a passion for music, especially jazz and blues, and he could play many instruments. He was known as “Papa John” to those he played music with in the Soulard neighborhood in St. Louis. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and he will be remembered for his intelligence, great memory, and loving and caring personality. Born Aug. 2, 1953, in St. Louis, he was the son of the late Opal (Thornburgh) and John D. McGuire Sr.

He is survived by his sister: Naomi (Randy Wheeler) Hahn of French Village; a nephew: Jeff (Melissa) Crittendon of High Ridge; two nieces: Shannon (Jonathan) Godwin of Dittmer and Jessica (Blake) Becker of Fenton; six great-nieces and great-nephews: Genevieve Crittendon of High Ridge, Jayden, Faith, Destiney and Hunter Godwin, all of Dittmer, and Rylee DePaul of Fenton; two aunts: Peggy Hall of High Ridge and Kate McGuire of Cadet; and many cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held, with a visitation from 1:30 p.m. until a service at 2 p.m., today, Sept. 24, at the Annex Hall (the old House Springs Lions Club), 6482 Hwy. MM, in House Springs.