John Joseph Bahan, Jr.

John Joseph Bahan, Jr. of Smithton, Illinois passed away the evening of Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family, having attained the age of 73 years, 1 month and 29 days.
Born on March 11, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of John Joseph and Esther Louise Bahan, nee Finkler. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Vasquez on August 22, 1970 at St. Thomas Moore Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri and she survives his passing.
After graduating from Bishop DuBourg Catholic High School, John served four years in the United States Air Force. He graduated with a business degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He later went on to study theology at St. Louis University. He retired from his management position at Yellow Freight. After retirement, he enjoyed a part time job at Caseys in Smithton where he made sure to get to know and greet everyone personally, starting their day with kind words and a friendly smile.
In addition to being a loving husband of 47 years, father of three and working full time, he never failed to find time to help others in need. He worked as a volunteer at Bethany Place, counseling and serving those suffering from terminal illness. For the last fourteen years, he volunteered by welcoming families to the Ronald McDonald House at Cardinal Glennon Childrens Hospital. There, he provided solace to families of sick children as they adjusted to their new home away from home.
He enjoyed traveling the country and the world with his wife. He was an avid golfer and passed along his love and knowledge of sports to his children and grandchildren, and could always be found on the sidelines cheering them on. He loved music and enjoyed many ganres, especially the 50s, and was known for winning many "name that tune" contests. Above all else, John was kind to every person that he had the pleasure of meeting.
Preceding him in death besides his parents were his sister, Sandra "Sandy" Chilton and his brother-in-law, Wally Lipic.
Surviving are his wife, Marjorie Bahan of Smithton, Illinois; his children, Scott (Rebecca) Bahan of Columbia, Illinois, Amanda (Ronald) Gauch and Michael (Andrea) Bahan, both of Freeburg, Illinois; his sisters, Jacqueline Gallino and Joette Lipic, both of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother, Rich Bahan of Little Rock, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Quinn, Miles, Morgan, Macy, Josh and Emily; nieces, nephews and many friends.
In memory of John and in lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to New Athens Home for the Aged, in his memory.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 5:00 P.M. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Paderborn, Illinois with a gathering of friends immediately following at the parish center.
The Creason Funeral Home in Millstadt Illinois is in charge of arrangements.