Foley, John H. 1939-2024 St. Joseph, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
John Howard Foley, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, at the Cameron Veterans Home, Cameron, Missouri. He was born Nov. 7, 1939, in McPaul, Iowa, son of the late Lucille and Francis Foley. He graduated from Central High School class of 1957, then joined the United States Marines Corps. After his discharge he returned to achieve his degrees from Northwest Missouri State University BS ED, then a Masters in Education, and later obtained a degree in Library science. He married Karen Comte on April 29, 1990, and she survives the home.
John retired after 37 years of teaching from Benton High School, teaching world history, government, and then became the Librarian. He was an avid gardener, excellent cook, he loved everything south side St. Joseph, and was an avid history buff for St. Joseph and Benton High School, writing the 2 volume book “A Centennial History of Benton High School 1905-2005” which contains a complete list of all the graduates in that time period.
John was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister, Dorothy Sandusky; sister, Sue Gering; and half-brother, Bill Foley.
Survivors include wife, Karen Jean Foley, of the home; sons, Michael (Corina) Foley, of Nixa, Missouri, and Ryan (Lelana) Foley, of Grain Valley, Missouri; stepsons, Daniel (Maggie) Sullivan, of Bethel, Maine, Michael (Rachael) Sullivan, of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Sean (Chris) Sullivan, of London, England; step- daughters, Meg (Jorge Neves) Sullivan, of Narrowsburg, New York, and Erin Sullivan, of Alexandria, Virginia; sister, Mary Lou Gerstner, of St. Joseph; and 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, at the Rupp Funeral Home. A Celebration of John’s life will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the Pony Express Museum or the Stuber Health Clinic.
Online condolence, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
