John A. “Jack” Bloess, 87, of Sedalia, died Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at University Hospital in Columbia.

He was born October 4, 1927, in Sedalia, a son of the late Herman E. and Marvellee (Parks) Bloess. On October 24, 1953, he married Lydia Irene Wagner, who preceded him in death on October 14, 1983.

Jack was a lifelong resident of Sedalia and a 1945 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School. He attended the University of Missouri and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity where he made lifetime friendships. Jack was drafted into the US Army and served his country at the end of World War II as a general clerk, was discharged and answered the call to duty again for the Korean War as a Sergeant with the 17th Infantry Regiment at the Hwachan Reservoir in Busan Korea. During his time of military service he earned the World War II Victory medal, Korean Service medal with four stars, the United Nations medal and the Combat Infantry badge. He was honorably discharged in 1951 and returned to Sedalia where he owned and managed Looney-Bloess Lumber Company, a Sedalia business established in 1879. He was well-respected in the lumber business across the Midwest and proud the Bloess family was a long-time part of the business community in Downtown Sedalia.

He was an active and faithful member of Calvary Episcopal Church serving the church in many ways. One of his most treasured honors was receiving the Bishop’s Shield award.

Jack served on the Crown Hill Cemetery Board of Trustees at the time property for the future expansion of the city cemetery was acquired. He also served on the Sedalia Water Department Board, Open Door Ministries Board and was a member of Mid-American Lumber Association, VFW and the Association of the 17th Infantry Regiment.

He and his wife, Lydia, owned the Art Gallery in Sedalia. Their gallery was an affiliate of Frame House Gallery in Louisville, KY, and allowed them to work with many professional artists. Jack himself was an accomplished artist who had great feeling for his work. He was an exceptional framer and had a following that included many professional artists. He donated countless framed works to area organizations for their fundraising efforts.

Jack was a positive role model to many young people. He provided internships at Looney-Bloess, giving them the opportunity to receive a hands-on education in the lumber business. He gave freely of his time to his son and his friends to coach them in sports, and as a skilled hunter, taught them to hunt and fish, which at times proved to take great patience.

He loved Sedalia history and looked forward to the Scott Joplin Festival and hosting “The Jack Bloess Block Party” during the festival. He was a loyal MU Tiger fan and enjoyed attending their football games. He also enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the Little Niangua at Lake of the Ozarks. He was an avid gardener and excellent pie baker, sharing his bounty to the delight of family and friends.

Jack was honored to participate recently in the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight to Washington D.C. at which time he received a Proclamation from the Missouri Senate.

He is survived by two children, John Stephen “Steve” Bloess, and his wife Valerie, of Sedalia, and Susan Leigh Morrison, and her husband Clark, of St. Louis; a sister, Selma Norton, of Sedalia; five grandchildren, Kristin Morrison, Jacque Morrison, Thomas Morrison, William Morrison and Dru Bloess; two step-grandchildren, Christopher Riley and Kyle Riley; two great-grandchildren, Braelyn Bloess and Mary Eden Riley; and a number of nieces and nephews; all whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Herman E. “Bud” Bloess, Jr.

Friends may call after 12 pm, Monday, July 6 with visitation 5pm-8pm at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Funeral service will be 10 am, Tuesday, July 7 at Calvary Episcopal Church with the Reverend Harvel Sanders officiating. Pallbearers will be Thomas Morrison, William Morrison, Dru Bloess, Christopher Riley, Kyle Riley and Barney Knight. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the VFW Post 2591 and the US Army.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Calvary Episcopal Church in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.

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