John Ward Mobley “Candy man”
Born December 21, 1933, Cave City, Arkansas
Died February 24, 2025, Kirkwood, Missouri
Parents:
Harrison and Ethel Mobley
Wife:
Carolyn Mobley (Wooldridge)
Children:
Marsha Mobley Kilian (Paul Kilian, spouse)
Tim Mobley
Jan Mobley
Mark Mobley (Kim Mueller Mobley, spouse)
Grandchildren:
Madison Kilian
Mitchell Mobley
Andrew Mobley
Amanda Mobley
Siblings: (deceased)
Ernest Mobley
Laverne Guthals
Juanita Vest
Nettie Gorman
Donnie Watt
John’s identity was steeped in hard work and personal connections. Raised on a farm, he worked his way through college and made teaching math his official career. John married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn, at an early age and always worked 2-3 jobs to enable her to raise the kids full time.
John was known as a jokester as well as for his generosity and unique sense of humor. A devout Christian, he was a pillar in the Geyer Road Baptist Church and served as a deacon there for many years.
John played as hard as he worked. He never missed a Cardinals game on the radio, or a chance to deliver Cave City watermelons or hand-made coasters to friends and acquaintances. He grew some juicy tomatoes and produced sweet honey from his bee hives. John hiked from Colorado to Appalachia, fished from Arkansas to Canada, and built churches on mission trips far and wide.
But most of all, John treasured his family. Compassionate and caring, he vacillated between being a strict disciplinarian and a big teddy bear. His tradition of handing out candy to the kids at church carried all the way to the waitresses at Assisted Living, giving him the moniker of “Candy Man.”
His absence will leave a void in our lives, but he will always be a dear presence in our hearts.
“When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”
Chief Tecumseh, Shawnee Warrior
A memorial service will be held, and all are invited.
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 11:00 am
Geyer Road Baptist Church
504 South Geyer Road
Kirkwood, MO 63122
314-821-3651
Jan, Marsha and family,
Just wanted to let you know how sorry we are for the loss of your Dad and that we are keeping you all in our thoughts at this sad time.
Sincerest Condolences,
Eddie Wilson and Tim Eck
We are so very sorry. Debbie and Chris Benson
Sorry for your loss, heaven has gained another beautiful soul
The eulogy describes John perfectly! A big man with a big heart and big presence in all the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know him, including me. I love the picture. I’ll never forget that smile and John’s unique sense of humor. It always took me a few beats to know he was joking! I feel honored to have his daughter, Marsha, as my long time best friend, and through her, share time with John and Carolyn. John was a mentor to many and true friend to all. John always made me laugh and his presence will be with me always.
Dear Marsha and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Mobley’s obituary is lovely, touching, and reflects a life well lived. You are in my prayers.
I too was fortunate enough to meet “The Mobleys”soon after moving from AR to St Louis . Throughout the years the bond remained regardless of life’s changing circumstances
Oftentimes our interactions would involve John quietly listening to conversation then he would deliver a well- timed zinger of wit and humor. Usually his teasing was accompanied by a slow easy grin followed by being enveloped in his strong bear hug
John was accomplished in many areas but he remained humble. He demonstrated dignity, fortitude, conviction, giving, and devotion. He was a true gentleman – a rarity
John certainly touched my life as I am certain he did many many others
This goodbye is never a final goodbye
Carolyn, Marsha, Tim, Jan, and Mark. So very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your dad as well as I would have liked, but your eulogy gives me insight into who he was. You certainly can see his love come through. Blessed to have a set of his coasters to display. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, and praying that God shower you with strength and peace during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss—sending you strength during this difficult time.
Your dad was an amazing Math teacher. He taught with passion and made concepts easy to understand.
What a lovely obituary. He lived a rich life, and was a wonderful husband and father.
Our heartfelt condolences to the Mobley family – John’s wife, his children, grandchildren, in-laws, and all those friends of his that feel his loss.
Bradley, Jennifer, Hadley, Eric Mueller
We only knew John through Jan and Marsha. He must of been a terrific man based on the things that both have shared about their Dad. The wonderful eulogy reinforced the positive impact he made on the many lives he touched.
Our thoughts are with your Family at this difficult time.
Love Bill & Candice
Marsha and Family – it was an absolute pleasure getting to know your dad over the past year. He sure loved his sports, tomatoes, fishing and his family. What a wonderful life. My sincere condolences to all of you.
We’re both so sorry for your loss. John was a tremendous Christian influence and role model, be it through coaching basketball in our Church league, being a leader in Hope Baptist Church and Geyer Road Baptist Church, or being a true friend to our parents throughout the years. We know he touched many lives throughout his own. We will always fondly remember him. Praying for all of you at this time.
It is with a sad heart that I learned the passing of John Mobley. I grew up 2 doors down from his family on Woodlawn Avenue. Marsha, Janice, Tim, Mark and I were school and neighborhood friends.
At Kirkwood High School he taught math and kept the peace in the halls. He even caught me kissing my girlfriend Amy Andress once and just looked the other way. Later in life I bought my Dad’s house and John was Amy and my neighbor once again.
He was always helpful, and will be remembered as the man who brought truckloads of orange Cave City watermelons to Kirkwood. He was a restorer of old automobiles and taught his son Tim and I a thing or two. You had to be careful around his garden, especially if you were a squirrel. He kept a .22 rifle in his shed and would plink the unsuspecting critters for violating his tomatoes.
He was a good man, a man of humor and a faithful neighbor and friend. He was also a man of God, a servant of Jesus and I suspect he is tasting some melons in heaven. I look forward to to seeing him again on that other shore. Good bye John, for just a while.
Mobley family I pray you grieve well, and will also see him one day on that other shore.
John Youngstrom
I only know this sweet beloved man through my friend Marsha, and her daughter Madison. There is a lovely photo of Madison cheek-to-cheek with her Grandpa and another equally lovebug photo of him with Marsha. Both photos are rich with love, genuine care and sincerely affectionate joy. When a patriarch blesses his family with love like that, the ripple effects of his love will continue to vibrate on.
Thank you, “Coaster-making, Candy Man” for the richness of your life and for loving as you did so that others will follow. Rest in heavenly peace.🙏🏼❤🍃