John Wyatt
John was a South St.Louis Babyboomer born to Dewey and Geneva Wyatt just after WWII. He went to Cleveland High School. He attended St. Louis Junior College and graduated from Washington University School of Architecture. After the Army, he worked for the St. Louis Housing Authority and later in the architectural planning department of the May Company and also did some local residential real estate redevelopment, all before assuming the family business – Soulard Barber Shop from his dad.
John enjoyed travelling, singing in the church choir and exploring local hiking trails. But most of all he treasured time with his grandchildren: notably trips to the St. Louis Art Museum, softball games, school plays, Meramec Caverns, and of course, birthday parties.
The last 12 years have held many health challenges for John, but he managed to keep the old barber shop running until last year – for a family legacy of 75 years. He liked being a part of the Soulard neighborhood. Meeting new, and greeting old customers gave him much pleasure.
Thanks to the VA health system John had been able to stick around with us for the last 7 years. He was grateful for this time. He got to see Desmond do well in high school, hear Emery play the cello, and see Hollyn develop her acting skills in school plays.
John was also grateful to the many friends, neighbors, family and clergy who have been so supportive. He had requested a private family good-bye with disbursement of his ashes in the Mississippi River.
So, in lieu of a traditional memorial service, please enter a simple memory or thought here on the St. Louis Cremation website. Then, if you are so inclined, view online the beautiful rendition of How Great Thou Art sung by Life-in-3D. This was John’s favorite hymn. He loved God and family more than anything.
John is survived by his sons Andrew (Libby) and Jordan (Jill) and grandchildren Desmond, Emery and Hollyn. Also his sister Nerine BouAoun and nieces Hana and Layal.
My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family. He was loved and a good friend to me. The best neighbor anyone ever had. I will always miss him.
Two memories of John :
In the first decade of the third millennium John and I were fortunate enough to see 4th of July fireworks in Key west Florida and a few years later in Anchorage Alaska. But I think our favorite fireworks were on the St. Louis riverfront by the Arch from a train we were in on the MacArthur Bridge. This sequence was not really planned, but as I look back at the calendar and map, I’m impressed that we were able to do this together.
It’s funny how little things pop into your head looking back. I remember 1 gray snowy Saturday in December probably 2002. John had the Saturday off from the barber shop because of the holidays. He had this idea, so we took 2 little girls from the old neighborhood (who were having some rough times) on a field trip. John had picked up some little baubles at Globe Drug Store and wrapped them up as Christmas gifts for the girls. First we went to Uncle Bill’s Pancake House. Then we drove over to Cahokia Mounds. The girls made snow angels on top of Monk’s Mound. On the way home, shivering and wet, we stopped to see the giant Christmas tree in the rotunda of the St. Louis Old Courthouse. There were lots of smiles that day.
John was a good man.
We’re sorry to hear this about John. He was a kind gentleman. My sister was very fortunate to have had him in her life, and over decades, so were we.
I remember how he enjoyed the wading birds and orchids of the Everglades when he came to visit us with Nettie in South Florida. I’ll think of his Soulard Market barber shop and the surrounding neighborhood.
The nearby Mississippi River is a fitting starting place for his ashes as they head for the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Stream.
May John Wyatt’s memory be a blessing!
John was a dear friend and a real people’s person. His father cut my father‘s hair than my hair and John started cutting it. He was a loyal customer of mine and became a very dear friend one that would be missed. John always had a way of making me smile, even if I was having a bad day at work rest in priest my friend heaven has a wonderful angel
John was a dear friend and a real people’s person. His father cut my father‘s hair then my hair thenJohn started cutting it. He was a loyal customer of mine and became a very dear friend one that would be missed. John always had a way of making me smile, even if I was having a bad day at work rest in priest my friend heaven has a wonderful angel
We have been John’s next door neighbors for 8 years. I will miss our driveway conversations and the dogs will miss his cat food.
Thank you for putting up with our chaos, my friend. We love you and will miss you.
John was one of the kindest and most generous gentleman I have met.
I am so grateful to have gotten to know John over the last six years and so sad he’s gone. He was a kind and generous friend and I’ll miss his sense of humor and his curiosity. We had many lovely, deep conversations about life and family and our adventures in life and I hope his memory is a blessing to his family. You should know that he cherished you and spoke of you fondly. Holding you all in care as you grieve his passing.
I am a member of Eden UCC and was blessed to be in Bible Study class with John. For years, we studied different books of the Bible and John always had a deep faith and knowledge that illustrated his intelligence and insight. As a very talkative group, anytime he spoke, we all stopped to listen. His words were succinct and full of wisdom. We at Eden UCC were blessed to hear his voice in choir and also with some solo pieces. John Wyatt was an outstanding man with so many talents and so much wisdom.
We wish his family peace and love as you mourn his loss. Our prayers are with you.
What a wonderful grandpa you were to Desmond. He will always remember the days he spent with you, Papa John.
Bless you John. A good father, father in law and grandpa. He brought me poinsettias at Christmas and lilies at Easter. A very thoughtful gesture to his sons mother in law.
John Wyatt was my spiritual older brother. I told him that many times. He had such profound spiritual wisdom, and he always delivered it in such an incredibly humble and gentle way.
After he went through so much physical pain over the past two years, my final text to him was, “John, hope you’re doing well. I’m reading The Bible In a Year Course. Today I’m reading about Job. And I’m reminded of your incredible faith in God no matter what happens to you. You are an incredible inspiration to me every day. Thank you for being my spiritual older brother. Dan”
He wrote back, “May the Lord guide your study.”
Thank you, John, for being such a great guide in my life.
John Wyatt was my spiritual older brother. I told him that many times. He had such profound spiritual wisdom, and he always delivered it in such an incredibly humble and gentle way.
After he went through so much physical pain over the past two years, my final text to him was, “John, hope you’re doing well. I’m reading The Bible In a Year Course. Today I’m reading about Job. And I’m reminded of your incredible faith in God no matter what happens to you. You are an incredible inspiration to me every day. Thank you for being my spiritual older brother. Dan”
He wrote back, “May the Lord guide your study.”
Knew John from eden. was one of the kindest, soft spoken, thought full individuals i have ever had to pleasure of working and singing with. He was a quiet leader who helped many at church and elsewhere. i will miss his smile.
I will miss you…..
At Choir: We sat next to one another; you helped me with all those notes I couldn’t find. And then to make Cantata CD’s so we could practice some more.
I will miss you…..
In Sunday School. What a great perspective you shared; you always thought “outside the box”. And then to share some much needed history to the scripture we were studying.
I will miss you…..
Affectionately, Marilynne, Eden UCC
We have known John for many years. He and Helene’s cousin Nettie were great friends,and were always welcome guests at many family gatherings. It truly is a sad commentary to hear of John’s death.He was an intelligent and well educated man,and we had many interesting conversations over a period of many years.He may be gone,but our memories of him will always be with us.May he rest in peace.
Rich and Helene Jundt
Knew John through Eden UCC Church. Even though we would converse at church I got to know him better after he had his leg was amputated. We started a new team-The Care Team. I was one of the team members and John was one of the home bound members I kept in touch with. I would call every two weeks and we would talk about his amputation ,if he would be able to use the prosthesis he had gotten and the various problems he encountered.I am a retired PT and would ask questions about his exercises and make suggestions. He was always willing to listen and he tried his best. John had a wonderful birthday party thrown by his dear friend, Nettie. He was so happy that day. He just kept smiling and talking to all the people who came to show him what a wonderful person we all thought he was. We worked on a sliding board transfer to make it easier for him to go out to doctor appointments. He did so well and was even able to come to church twice. Everyone was so happy to see him back “ home”. John, you will be missed by your church family.
I was 8 or 9 in the late sixties and John had a 1967 (I think) Camaro convertible. He used to let me sit in it and dream! Plus he let me dig for spare change between the seats! John always treated me with kindness. RIP John…
I was John’s pastor – but he was my mentor, support, and spiritual guide. He was truly God’s gift to me during some very hard times. I have often thought of him over the years. As others have said, in bible studies, he offered insights that caused us all to reflect. John suggested the Bible Study watch the PBS series “From Jesus to Christ.” We all learned much and had some great discussions. John was a man of tremendous faith, with the kindest of hearts. I offer my sympathy and prayers to all who loved him.
Our Beloved John
We never met in real life but the Thursday Conversation Collective group on Zoom reached us all globally. Absolutely loved your kind nature and chats about life these past 5 or so years. Your wisdom and my talks about London in the UK. I am so glad Karen set up this group. You was a core member and we had wondered where you have been these past 2 months when you were weekly.
Sending your beautiful family Love and Strength as they navigate Life without you. Will miss you.
In Peace and Purpose
John was my conversation collective brother. We shared many meaningful 12 minute moments over these past 6 years. He was so proud of his family and loved being in choir for the holidays! May his memory be a blessing!
How heartening it is to read each memory and acknowledgement. John joined our weekly Conversation Collective during the earliest days of covid. He was present always. And not just in attendance, he was present in spirit, too. John expressed his love and appreciation for our group every week. It was so sweet and I took his appreciation to heart.
I like thinking of him walking in the woods and hopeful he is doing just that. What a sweet fellow.
I am better for knowing him. My condolences to the family.