John Joseph Portell, 98, of Festus died Feb. 22, 2023, at his home. Mr. Portell was a retired office worker for the Pittsburg Plate Glass Co. plant in Crystal City and a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Our Lady Catholic Church in Festus and a 76-year member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active with Twin City Little League for 27 years. He was an avid card player and a fan of the St. Louis Blues and Mizzou football. Born July 16, 1924, in Crystal City, he was the son of the late Emma (Beck) and Andrew Portell. He was preceded in death by his wife: Loretta Mae (Smith) Portell.
He is survived by two daughters: Beverly (John) Stuart of Festus and Donna (Kenny “Ray”) Stafford of De Soto; three sons: Richard (Julie) Portell of Oakville, Tim (the late Kim) Portell of Crystal City and Gordon (Susie) Portell of DeLand, Fla.; 12 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by two sisters: Vernell (the late Courtland) Ivy and Becky (the late Ben) Bowden; three brothers: Clifford (the late Marilyn) Portell, Franklin (the late Ruth) Portell and Carl (Rita survives) Portell; and a great-grandson: Jordan David Stafford.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main, in Festus. Memorial Mass will follow at noon at Our Lady Church, 1550 St. Mary’s Lane, in Festus, officiated by Father Gregory Klump. Burial will take place later in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Crystal City. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge of St. Louis or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.