Johnnie Ray Jasper

Johnnie Ray Jasper, 80, of Walnut Shade passed away on March 21, 2022 at Mercy Hospital, Springfield, MO.  He was born on May 31, 1941 in Buffalo, MO., son of Arley and Eula Jasper.

He is survived by his wife Carol Jasper, of nearly 62 years, daughter Rhonda Johnson-Preister (Rick), granddaughter’s Gabby Martin (Drew), Lacey Jasper, Lindsey Paige (Jordan), great grandchildren Nevaeh, Paizlee, Piper, Oaklee, Oliver and Saylor.

He was preceded in death by his children Kenny, Victor & Valerie (twins), Ronnie, and granddaughter Tristian.

He served in the Navy from February 24, 1959, as a 17 year old, going to Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL.  He was an E-4 3rd class Petty Officer and Aviation Mechanical Supervisor, serving 3 years, 4 months, and 5 days.  During his service in the Navy, he received the "Good Conduct Medal" and "Honorable Discharge" from the U.S. Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, FL on June 29, 1962 at the age of 21 years old.  He married the love of his life Carol Ruth Keithley on May 7, 1960 in Nahunta, GA.  He worked construction most of his life as a business owner and later as a foreman for Tom Boyce Construction putting his special touches on building much of Branson and surrounding areas before retiring.  His then fulltime career was family, friends, gardening, landscaping, hunting, fishing and more.   He always enjoyed the great outdoors to the extreme and never knew a stranger.  He loved with all his heart. 

My darling, my angel, your always in my heart.  I love you to infinity, forever & ever! (Your wife, Carol)

My daddy, my first hero, and my first love.  Keep our promises daddy.  I love you, forever & always! (Rhonda)

I’ll always have you with me in my heart. Teach those angels how to hunt, fish, and tell great stories.  Until we all see you again, I love you!  (Rick)

You are the most perfect papa a granddaughter could ever ask for.  I’m forever in awe of you.  I love you with all my heart!  (Gabby)

I’ll never get over your smile and that sparkle in your eyes.  We were blessed beyond measure that we had you in our lives.  I adore you, Papa!  (Lacey)

You’re the greatest man and I couldn’t be more thankful that God gave us irreplaceable you. I’ll miss you every day until I see you again.  Love you forever Papa!   (Lindsey)

Services will be Saturday, April 2, 2022 in Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home and Crematory, Branson.  Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with memorial services following at 2:00 PM.  Private burial will be at a later date in Walnut Shade Cemetery.  As we all know, Johnnie would want you to wear your jeans or camouflage, but most of all come as you want, just be you.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be accepted payable to Carol Jasper, in memory of Johnnie Jasper, at First Community Bank, P. O. Box 340, Forsyth, MO 65653.

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