John Edward Tranbarger, 88, passed away on August 18, 2026. He was born on July 28, 1938, in Mountain View, Missouri, to Guy Remington and Pansy Ora (Partney) Tranbarger.
He married LaDonna Gragg on December 24, 1956, in Hernando, Mississippi. They spent 62 years together before LaDonna’s death.
John worked for General Motors for 30 years in Flint, Michigan, and often shared the fact that he traveled to Michigan to work at the age of 18, retiring when he wasn’t yet 48. After retirement, John and LaDonna returned to Mountain View. He was very proud to be an avid blood donor, donating over 40 gallons of blood throughout his lifetime.
In his free time, John found joy in helping his beloved wife, LaDonna, create beautiful quilts. Together, they crafted not just quilts, but also countless memories filled with love and laughter.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, LaDonna Tranbarger; his parents, Guy and Marie Tranbarger, and Pansy and Bill Bauer; his son, Gary Tranbarger; grandson, Matthew Farris; and brothers, Lilburn Tranbarger and Orval Tranbarger.
John is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Abbey and husband, Dave, and Deb Hill and husband, Bob; his daughter-in-law, Debbie Tranbarger; his sister, Dixie Samuelson; eight grandchildren, Cristi, Casey, Aaron, Courtney, Chelsi, Christie, Carrie, and Brandon; several great-grandchildren; a few great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
John will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a kind and gentle soul.
