John Christopher Dailey

John Christopher Dailey was born on November 27, 1927 in Sturgis, KY to “Kit” Christopher and Mabel Jewel (Coker) Dailey and passed away at his home in Mountain Grove, Missouri on October 12, 2012. He passed away after a brief battle with lung, throat, and bone cancer. John was 84 years, 10 months, and 16 days of age.

John grew up in Sturgis, Kentucky. He was drafted into the Army in 1946. He later moved to Farmersville, California where he met Butch Cochran. John and Butch were married on November 26, 1947, and together they had 3 beautiful daughters: Judy, Anita, and Karen.

John served in the Army and Air Force where he worked as a transporter, fireman, MP, cook, and deckhand with the Federal Barge Line. Before his Honorable discharge from the service in 1949, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal.

In the 1950’s, John and Butch moved to Vallejo, California where he was an active member of the Teamsters. He then worked as a truck driver for Delta and Dupont. He also worked as a cement mixer for many years.

While living in California, he met Darvin and Oleta Crawford. Some would say they were the real life Fred and Barney. They were always together doing everything from camping and fishing, to dancing and game nights. To him they were brothers, and to their kids they were family.

In May 1990, John and Butch moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri, where they lived happily surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until their passing.

John will always stay with us through the lessons he taught us: about a strong work ethic, to always try, love and laughter, family strength, generosity, trust, and honesty. But the saying that was most important to him was, “The one thing a person can’t take away from you is your WORD.”

John was preceded in death by his mother: Mabel Dupree; one brother: Harry Dupree; and by his wife: Butch Dailey.

He is survived by his daughters Judy Dodson and her husband Don, Crown Point, Indiana; Anita Waara and her fiancé Mike Warner, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; and Karen Kayser and her husband Dave, of Fordland, Missouri; his grandchildren: Shannon and Joe Russo, of Springfield, Missouri; Tracy and James Dodd, of Cabool, Missouri; Jennifer Dailey, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Jessica and Aaron Fry, of Mountain Grove; and Haylee Waara, of Mountain Grove; his great-grandchildren: PV2 Brett Tomboc, of Fort Lewis, Washington; Kristen Tomboc and Scott Dangler, Mountain Grove; Emily and Samuel Dodd, of Cabool; James, Christopher, Hunter, and Zachary Fry, Mountain Grove; his great-great-grandchildren: Orin Dangler, of Mountain Grove; Elijah Stepp, of Springfield; his sisters: Elsie Dailey, of Visalia, California; Anna Smith, of Utah; his brothers: Ellis Dupree, of Kansas; Bill Dupree, of Texas; Ron Dupree, of Oregon. Not to mention the several nieces and nephews that loved him and he loved in return.

We love you with all our hearts and will always be forever “Near You”

Graveside Service:
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Hillcrest Cemetery.