(USAF retired) passed peacefully on December 15, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife, Lois, and six beloved daughters. He was 91 years old.
A proud, native St. Louisan, John was born to Joseph and Clara Pollard. His siblings were Joseph Pollard, Mary Cook and Robert Pollard. He graduated from St. Agnes grade school and St. Mary high school. John earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from St. Louis University. He was a registered Professional Engineer in Missouri.
A United States Air Force (USAF) veteran, John loved his country. He served as a navigator, weapons controller, communications officer, engineering officer, director of logistics, squadron commander, and group vice commander. John served on USAF active duty, in the Missouri Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve assignments.
John Pollard’s professional career began with Union Electric as an economic development engineer, sales engineer, and a senior economist. His capstone position was as an engineering executive with Horner and Shifrin, Inc. He retired in 1997, as Vice President, Treasurer, and a member of the Board of Directors. He continued to serve the firm as a Senior Consultant for 8 years following his retirement.
John Pollard is a past President of the St. Louis Post and a Fellow of the Society of American Military Engineers. He is a past chairman of the St. Louis Branch and a Past President of the Missouri chapter of the American Public Works Association. He served on the First Board of Directors of the Rebuild St. Louis Coalition. He is a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus and a lifetime member of the Missouri National Guard Association. He belonged to many other professional, civic, and charitable organizations. John cherished the military and professional relationships he made, and was skilled at bringing people together.
John’s deep, abiding faith and trust in God and devotion to Mother Mary sustained him through challenges and brought joy during celebrations. John was a member of St. Peter Catholic Church parish for 52 years. He enjoyed living at Friendship Village in Sunset Hills since 2014, forming many new friendships.
John was a loving husband, proud father, doting grandfather, uncle, friend and mentor. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lois Mary Schaeffer Pollard and six daughters, Julia (James) Emmett of St. Louis County, Jean Pollard (Dale Smith) of Memphis, Janet (John) O’Hallaron of Kirkwood, Joan May Cook of St. Louis County, Jill (Kurt) Nufer of Wildwood, and Jennifer (Jonathan) Westland of St. Louis County. His 15 grandchildren are Caitlyn (Kyle) Spradley, Rachel (Patrick) McCaffrey, Gwen Smith (Joshua Moore), Kirk Smith (Anne Coleman), Brian, Maddy, and Sean O’Hallaron, Ashley (Brian) O’Shaughnessy, Jordan (Caitlin) May, Jen May (Sam Daugherty), Eleanor Cook, Madison and Nicholas Nufer, Lois and Dylan Westland. His six great-grandchildren are Caden and Greyson May, Serena Ramic, Sloane O’Shaughnessy, Virginia Spradley, and Aelish O’Shaughnessy.
SERVICES: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kutis Funeral Home Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Rd. 63123) on Thursday, December 21. The celebration of life Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peters Catholic Church (243 West Argonne Drive) in Kirkwood on Friday, December 22. Private burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Vincent De Paul in John Pollard’s name (https://svdpstlouis.org).
It was my honor to know John. His obituary speaks of his commitment to learning, his career, the community, his faith and his family. What a full life! I will always remember his smile when we would and his happiness in seeing friends and family. Peace and love to his beautiful wife and his incredibly special , loving daughters!!
Joani & family. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
On behalf of the employee-owners of Horner & Shifrin, we extend our deepest condolences to John’s family and are grateful for his many years of service to our company as well as his military service to our country.
I remember that John was in my life since I was a child. He was a wonderful role model and was admired by all in my family. I was proud to call him uncle. He will be missed by all.
I had the opportunity to work with John very early in my career, getting to know him and Lois over several years. Exceptional role model in the engineering profession and simply in life. My sincere condolences to Lois and the extended family.