After an intense battle with cancer John Scott died suddenly in his home Saturday, January 28, 2023, just a few weeks prior to his 70th birthday. He was tough and rather stubborn and kept fighting everyday to the very end. 

John was a hairdresser by trade and after moving to St. Louis in the early 1970s, he spent over 40 years working in the same salon. He managed the shop for some time and took good care of his clients. The shop was like a second home. He sometimes brought his children to work and they all found lasting relationships there with the other beauticians (“the girls”) and many of his clients and their families. 

Music was always a centerpiece of John’s life. He came from a very musical family and grew up singing. He performed for a bit as part of a vocal trio with his mother and sister. They traveled throughout the region singing hymns. Despite his remarkable talent and the immense joy it brought him, music never became John’s career as he had hoped. To many he was best known for sharing his musical gifts in multiple choirs and through beautiful duets with his beloved spouse Fred. 

Almost equally important in John’s life were food and cooking. Like his musical talents, these skills were frequently used in gifts of service. He could often be found in a church kitchen planning and preparing meals (sometimes for hundreds of people). And while he never did figure out how to cook for less than 8 people, it was important to John that everyone got a nourishing meal they enjoyed. 

A man of many talents, John created and collected beauty all around his life. He sewed new liturgical pieces for the church, embroidered table linens and even altered prom dresses. He loved flowers, so he grew irises, tulips and roses of all kinds until his yard was an explosion of color. He collected beautiful and ornate crystal and silver tableware as well as far more china than any person ever needed. 

John was a loving spouse, a caring and protective father and grandfather, and a passionate friend. He was always family oriented and even kept a very small vacation home in Stanwood, MI where he grew up. This allowed John and his family to visit aunts, cousins and other family regularly, despite the long drive. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Sgt. William “Bill” Scott and Shirley Scott as well as his brother Perrin Scott. He leaves behind his spouse Frederick Hudson; his son Sean Scott (fiance Aubrey Reed); his daughter Cass Blackwood (spouse Ames Blackwood); his grandchildren Brenden Scott, Owen Blackwood and Arlo Blackwood; his sister Becky Steketee

(husband Bob); as well as his former wife Kat Scott (partner Margaret Bley). A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 11am at Epiphany United Church of Christ, 2911 McNair Ave, St. Louis, MO 63118. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society, Epiphany UCC or a charity of your choice.