******Due to inclement weather, the memorial service has been moved to the First Christian Church, Rock Port, 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2018.

John Francis Phelps, 77, of Rock Port, Missouri, died at his home in the early hours of Friday, February 16, 2018.

John was born December 21, 1940, the son of Walter M. and Lillie F. (Oswald) Phelps in Maryville, Missouri. He grew up in Rock Port, where he graduated from high school in 1958, farmed, and practiced a range of trades.

On November 19, 1961, John married Linda Massie at Fairfax Christian Church. After making their home in Rock Port, they had two daughters, Lisa and Joni. John was active in his community, having served as an elder and board member of First Christian Church, on the city council, as well as in various other organizations. Beyond this, John was deeply committed to the simple pleasures of life, taking great joy sharing coffee with his friends or a meal with his family.

Most recently, John suffered a short recurrence of cancer. Though illness consumed his final moments, he lived both in sickness and health, values that characterized the whole of his life—an ironclad will, a winsome stubbornness, an enduring work ethic, and a love of conversation. His friends and family will never soon forget the playful grin and good humor he so loved to share with others.

John is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Lisa Freborg, Rock Port, and her sons, Jordan (Katie) Freborg and their son, Ben, Independence, Missouri, and Myles Freborg, Columbia, Missouri, and daughter, Joni Phelps, Rock Port; as well as by sister-in-law, Janice Phelps, Rock Port; brothers-in-law, Gary (Mary) Massie, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Terry Massie, Overland Park, Kansas; and by many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Walter and Lillie; brother, Ralph; half sister, Dorothy Mahan; and son-in-law, Scott Freborg.

A private family inurnment will be held at Hunter Cemetery, Rock Port, Missouri. There is no scheduled family visitation. An open visitation will begin 9:00 a.m. Friday, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, where friends are invited to sign a registry book and view memories of John. Please direct memorials to UNMC Alzheimer’s Disease Clinical Research Fund. Arrangements under the direction of Minter Funeral Chapel (www.minterfuneralchapels.com).