Hivner, John W. Born June 11, 1939, baptized in the hope of Christ’s resurrection, and strengthened with the sacraments of his faith, John Walter Hivner left this life on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Survived by his wife, Eileen; children, John Hivner, Jr. (Francesca), Richard Hivner (Melissa), James Hivner (Brenda), Patricia Zahn (Martin), and Clare Iffland (John); grandchildren, Adam (Caitlin), Kyle, Marisa (Jay), Hadley, Lexi, John Henry, Hunter, Richard Joseph, and Victoria; and his delightful great granddaughter, Jacqueline.
The eldest of 12 siblings, he leaves behind sisters Nancy and Peggy, and brothers Larry, Carl, and Chris. He was preceded in death by parents Henrietta and Edgar Hivner and siblings Kate, Danny, Dorothy, Mary Jane, George, and Becky.
He will be missed by many including dozens of nieces and nephews, and a wealth of friends, and friends who have become family.
Originally from Liberty, Ohio, John retired from the Navy after a 20 year career as a hospital corpsman. After traveling with the military for many years, John settled his family in Millington, Tennessee, living there for almost 40 years. His involvement in the Catholic Church there led him to pastoral ministry and he was ordained a deacon in August 1981.
He left a legacy of service.
His pastoral work included ministry at St. Peter’s Manor in Memphis, as well as assignments at St. William’s, St. Michael’s, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception parishes in the Diocese of Memphis. He also served as the Diocesan Coordinator for Retrouvaille there.
In Tennessee John had many friends. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the VFW.
After they retired, John and Eileen moved to St. Louis, Missouri. There he served as a deacon at St. Dominic’s parish.
John loved spending time with his family and friends! Disney trips, travel, and, of course, pinochle on Thursday nights at Nazareth were a highlight. He particularly enjoyed trips to an ocean or lake where he loved to look out over the water.
He delighted in seeing his grandchildren grow up, watching them play sports, ride horses, dance, and other activities, or just taking them on the riding lawnmower or hearing them laugh and play as they would swing on the tire swing in the front yard, or play board games, etc.
He loved the holidays and decorating the home for Christmas. He also enjoyed cooking, whether it be making his weekly roast dinner or the best stuffing for a holiday turkey dinner.
John was truly an example in serving people. Even as we have learned since his passing, his life in service to others touched farther than anyone realized.
To honor his memory, John’s family invites you to pray together and make time to enjoy one another and the many blessings in your life.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (https://www.csjsl.org/ways-to-give/cards), the American Heart Association, or to a charity of choice.
Services: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., Mon. April 22, 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Tues. April 23, 11 a.m. at Nazareth Living Chapel, #2 Nazareth Ln. (63129) with burial following in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
Our condolences from St. William Knights of Columbus council 6321. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace. Amen
I so appreciate the love he and the family have given me. I was always waiting for his next joke! I’m so glad I was a part of many celebrations and family moments.
I wish your family peace and comfort as you celebrate the life of John Hivner. He was always so kind and had an infectious smile to share with all.