John L. Nathan
August 28, 1937 – 
September 10, 2017
Life Reflections
…LET NO MAN OR WOMAN WRITE MY EPITAPH
I was born into eternity on September 10, 2017. I’ve had a full life and enjoyed everything God has put before me.
On August 28, 1937, in Lambert, MS, I was the fifth born of eight to the union of Hubert and Ethel Nathan. Throughout my youth, we made numerous and fun trips between Lambert and St. Louis.
I accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Second Baptist Church of Lambert. After moving to St. Louis, I became a member of the Morning Star Baptist Church and was actively involved in teaching Sunday School and Bible Study Classes. Later, I moved my membership to the Lutheran Church. As a faithful member I served as an Elder and on various boards and committees.
Following graduation from high school, Tennessee A & I State University was my choice for undergraduate matriculation where I received my BA Degree. My MA Degree with Honors was earned at St. Louis University.
For over thirty years as an employee with Social Security Administration, I advanced to the level of Area Director. Among my accolades and awards were: Commissioner’s Citation Award – the highest award SSA bestows; Secretary of Health and Human Services Award; Performance Award – consecutive years of employment. Subsequent to employment with SSA, I worked for seven years with Missouri Gaming Commission as a MWBE Officer.
Joy and satisfaction in my life came from the leadership roles I held which enabled me to mentor youth and serve my community. These roles included: President of Kawanis International; Board Member of YMCA, Charitable Women’s Club, Jail Visitors, Abused Women of St. Louis and Grace Hill Settlement House; Beaumont High School Mentoring Program and other organizations. Hopefully, the work I’ve done through these organizations made an impact and a difference in the many lives I touched. I am a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity having served as Polemarch, Chairman of the Scholarship Board and worked on various other Kappa Committees. My membership in 100 Black Men afforded me the opportunity to serve as Board Director and Scholarship Chairman.
Being loyal, active and a lifetime member in the Greater St Louis TSU Alumni Association will forever remain dear in my heart.
After retiring, my leisure time was well spent enjoying the Friday poker games, golfing, and heated debates with the guys at the infamous “Kappa and Omega” (K & O) Monday night football games. Aside from the debates we savored the scrumptious meals prepared by our wives. Not to forget, cruising the deep blue waters with Diane will leave countless memories for her to reflect and smile upon for years.
On November 9, 1965 I married Ruby Jewel Thompson of York, PA (born in Arkansas). Into this union two sons were born: Jeffrey and Joel. Following the death of Ruby, Diane Barnease Thomas (born in New Orleans) and I were united in holy matrimony (“Love me some southern women”). Diane has three sons: Michael, Jr., Derek and Daron. We love our five sons as if each were our own.
Loved ones who went before me included my parents, my brother, Hubert, Jr. and my sister, Velma. Among those I leave to mourn are my loving and devoted wife, Diane Barnease Nathan; my three sons, Jeffrey and Joel (Tramyra) of St. Louis, Kevin Brice (Anna) of Chicago, IL; two daughters, Rhonda G. Thompson of Chicago, IL, Tamara Oputa of Hamden, CT; three stepsons, Michael Thomas, Jr. (Cheryl) of St. Louis, Derek Thomas of Atlanta, GA, Daron Thomas of St. Louis; three brothers, Joe (Luada) of St.Louis, Charles (Aretha) of Colorado Springs, CO, James (Christine) of St. Louis, two sisters, Minnie Peggs of Chicago, IL, Letha Nathan of Jackson, MS. ;Sister-in-law, Mary Barnease of New Orleans, LA; brother-in-law, Donald Barnease (Syzon) of Houston, TX; eleven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and hundreds of friends.
As I look down on each of you today, I see only happiness and joy on your faces. I know that because our lives touched, we both were the better for it. This is not goodbye but until we meet again.
John L. Nathan
Jeffrey & Joel,
Uncle John fought the good fight. He is now resting comfortably and reuniting with all those who went home to Glory before him. He will continue to smile down upon each of you until it is your time to be reunited with him again. Remember the good times and know that he is not in any type of pain. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Love always,
Val & family (York, PA)
John and I were fellow St. Louisans who met for the first time in Nashville, TN at a college football game, year 1958. That first meeting (which included his “joined at the hip” brother, Willie T. Hall) was hilarious. It still makes me smile.
From that happenstance beginning,we forged a true friendship, one that prevailed through thick and thin.
Our last conversation was in August while he was in a rehab center. It was upbeat and lighthearted, with no sense of the foreboding to come.
It was, as he says, a life well lived. Condolences to the Nathan family. I will miss my friend.
Phyllis Foxwell
My deepest condolences to my great aunt Diane and my cousins. May the love and shared memories of uncle John forever be with you. And the strength given by the Lord sustain you all in this time of sorrow. You are in my families thoughts and prayers.
Wow, I never met Mr. Znathan but he was my Fraternity Brother and I believe I am working for SSA because of him. I never met him but when I lived in O’Fallon, IL I attended our annual Founder’s Day Program in St Louis, MO. Long stor6 shorts Brother in the midst gave Me. Nathan my card (I assume) and I’ve been with SSA for almost 20 years. Last night at our Founder’s Day Orogram in Tucson AZ I was talking to another Brother he told me it must have been John Nathan because h3 worked for SSA. So I went to our Fraternity’s website and saw Mr. Nathan was deceased. Mr. Nathan thanks for all you done during your time on Earth, since I never met you on Earth we’ll meet at the shores of KAPsi dwelling in the Diamond in the sky. Restin Peace and Thanks for the unknown work you done while on Earth. YO ONE KAPPA