In the early afternoon on December 13, 2017, John Butler Vermette, 78, born May 7, 1939 in Macomb County, Michigan, completed this life’s journey hand in hand with his beloved wife and soul mate, Linda Sue Vermette (nee Daffron), in St. Louis, Missouri. In addition to his wife Linda, he is survived by his children John Francis (Lisa) Vermette, Vincent Emile (Carol) Vermette, James Charles (Madhavi) Vermette, Renee Lynn (Tim) Rohrbach, Melissa Kay (Scott) Wilson, Monique Lalonde (Wayne) Goodmon, Roger Gerard (Kari) Vermette, and Danielle Suzanne (Randy Bynum) Vermette; his grandchildren Ryan (Lacey) Vermette, Justin (Sarah) Vermette, Andrew Vermette, Heather (Bobby) Emily (nee Goodmon), Jessica Lashley, Jacob Lashley, Dalton Vermette, Holden Goodmon, Keenan Vermette, Noah Vermette, Elijah Vermette, Malina Vermette, Elaina Vermette, Jack Wilson, Lindsey Ann Oberkramer, Abigail Vermette and Cason Vermette; his great-grandchildren Addison, Kinley and Karlie Vermette, Scarlett and Shelby Emily, Justice and Jersey Greer, Carter Lashley, and Evan and Vera Goodmon; his brothers Daniel Louis (Debbie) Vermette and Roger William (Catherine) Vermette, his birth sons John Bruce Jermain and Barry Evans Jermain and their families; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Emile Vermette and Jeannette Beatrice Neibert (nee Hill), and siblings Paul Jean Francis Vermette, Robert Emile Vermette, Lauryne Joyce Doescher (nee Vermette) and Gerard Raymond Vermette, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

John Vermette packed many lifetimes into this one. A force of nature and larger-than-life character, he was renowned for his skills as a master painter and wallpaper hanger. He owned his own business with his wife, Linda, and his sons for nearly two decades, Vermettes & Sons Painting. He landed many high-profile jobs and was once even featured in Architectural Digest. A perfectionist to the very end, there was not a single aesthetic flaw that escaped his exacting gaze. It will be well remembered by those present that a particular room on the 7^th floor of St. Anthony’s hospital could use a touch-up. Johnny had a tremendous sense of humor, a legendary stubborn streak and rooted always for the underdogs and the disenfranchised.

He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Johnny will be honored on December 15, 2017 in a private family memorial service. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please take a walk along the river for him, cast a fishing line or offer some guidance to a troubled kid. If inclined, a memorial donation can be made to Vitas Healthcare in his honor. Forever thanks to the special souls there: Tracy, Rachel, Linda, Connie, Pastor John and all who attended him, and also to the staff at Sherbrook as well as St. Louis Cremation.