John T. “John The Barber” DeGonia, 84, of Hillsboro died March 23, 2021, with family by his side. Mr. DeGonia graduated from Hillsboro High School, where he played basketball, and later served in the U.S. Army as a helicopter mechanic. He was a member of Arnold Church of Christ, SAVE (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Alumni Volunteer Echelon) and Shekinah Lodge. He owned and operated John’s Barber Shop for more than 30 years in Hillsboro/Crystal City. He enjoyed jewelry making, rock hunts and traveling and camping throughout the United States with his family. He and his wife received recognition two years in a row for visiting all Missouri State Parks and Historical Sites.He also enjoyed visiting with his classmates and friends, and sharing a cup of coffee with customers. He was born Nov. 14, 1936, in Morse Mill, the son of the late Thomas and Stella (Bahr) DeGonia.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Arlene (Simms) DeGonia; two daughters: Kay Schaffer and Amy (James) Kausler; two grandchildren: A.J. (Baileigh) Kausler and Maggie Kausler; a great-granddaughter: Lucy Kausler; a sister: Delores (the late Bill) Hulett of Waterloo, Ill.; close in-laws Kenny and Linda Werner of Florida; and many more family members and friends. He was preceded in death by a sister: Anna Kemper; and a brother: Joseph DeGonia.
Visitation is from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Tuesday, March 30, at Robert D. Brown Funeral Home in Hillsboro, officiated by Josh Robinson and James Kausler. The family requests masks be worn at the visitation and service. Burial is in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to the BackStoppers, P.O. Box 795168, St. Louis, 63179-0700. Arrangements are under the direction of Robert D. Brown Funeral Home.