John Lee Minnich of Winona, Missouri, was born June 20, 1961, to Arnold Felix and Mary Louise (Brawley) Minnich, in Alton, Missouri. He departed this life at his home, Sunday, October 4, 2020, having attained the age of 59 years.
John attended school in Eminence, Missouri, and graduated from Eminence High School with the class of 1979. John began his work career in high school as a part-time custodian for the school. After graduating, he worked as a dispatcher for the Shannon County Sheriff’s office for Sheriff Bolin and later Sheriff Reeves. John worked in the log woods then began driving a truck over the road. A job he had dreamed of doing since high school. He drove for a couple of different companies and finally bought his own truck, which he drove until he was no longer able. John loved truck driving even though it had been many years since he had driven, he still loved to talk “truck” and relate his experiences.
As a child, John gave his heart to the Lord and was baptized. Later in life, John rededicated his life to the Lord and answered the call to preach. John had attended the Turkey Oak Community Church for many years. He loved to play his banjo and sing for the Lord with Janette. John has also developed a ministry of providing Bibles to anyone who wanted or needed one.
John never married, but at his death had a very special friend, whom he proudly referred to as his “Sweetheart.” Even though he never had children of his own, his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews were his kids and grandkids and treated as if they were his own. He had his own special name for each one of them. John would do anything for anyone and was well-loved by many.
John is preceded in death by his father, Felix Minnich; paternal grandparents, Herman and Dorothy Minnich; maternal grandparents, Louis and Oneita Brawley; and nephew, Justin Minnich.
He is survived by his mother, Louise Minnich, his soul mate and special friend Janette Counts; five brothers, Arnold Minnich, David Minnich and wife, Ann, Mark Minnich and wife, Kathy, Tim Minnich and wife, Stacy; sister Mary Dawson and husband, Mike; eleven nieces and nephews; twelve great-nieces and great-nephews; two uncles, Kenneth Minnich and Richard Minnich; and a host of cousins and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 6, 2020, in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Winona, Missouri, with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the cemetery, with Sister Myrtle Martin and Bro. James Calvin, officiating, under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Winona, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
