John R. Webb

John R. Webb, 84, of St. Louis and formerly of Kansas, Ill. died Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 at St. Mary's Hospital in St. Louis. He was a retired hospital administrator.

He was born Jan. 26, 1924 in Kansas, Ill., the son of the late Harry and Mabel McVicker Webb. He married Lucy Louise Longden on July 20, 1947 in Greencastle. She preceded him in death Dec. 17, 2003.

Mr. Webb was a U.S. Navy veteran of the World War II Pacific Theatre. He earned a bachelor's degree from DePauw University and a master's degree in hospital administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Webster Groves, Mo. and was a certified lay speaker. He also held memberships in Kiwanis and Rotary clubs throughout his career.

Survivors include a son, Howard Webb and wife Rhonda of St. Louis; two daughters, Rebecca Mueller and husband Alan of St. Louis and Claire Webb of Indianapolis; four brothers, the Rev. Edgar Webb of Heyworth, Ill., Bruce Webb of Kansas, Ill., the Rev. Arthur Webb of Rockford, Ill. and Tom Webb of West Terre Haute; two grandsons, Gregory and Peter Webb both of St. Louis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Henry and Charles Webb.

Following private burial in Fairview Cemetery, a public service celebrating his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Kansas United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Templeton Funeral Home in Kansas.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to Kansas United Methodist Church or to First United Methodist Church of Webster Groves.