Cmsgt (Ret) John Kappert, Jr. Usaf

CMSgt. (Ret) John Kappert, Jr USAF, 86, of Mascoutah, IL, born March 1, 1932 in Evansville, IN to Sula Lee, nee Hood and John Kappert, was the third of seven children, he died Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Chief Kappert’s 30 years of distinguished military career began in 1950 after he graduated from Reitz High School inEvansville, IN. He served in the Korean War, Taiwan and Thailand, in mission roles, directly supporting the Vietnam War. He also served in numerous other overseas and CONUS assignments. He was awarded four Meritorious Service Medals; Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean War Service Medal in addition to many other medals and achievement awards. He retired from the U. S. Air Force in 1980 after 30 years of active military service. After retirement, John returned to college completing a degree in communications management. In 1982 he was selected by the Air Force Communications Command to fill a civil service management position. He served in this position for 15 years, retiring in 1998 for a total of 45 years of military service to our country.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Sula Lee, nee Hood, Kappert, his wife Ruth Ann, nee McGuire, Kappert, his second wife, Bobbie Jolene, nee Andrews, Kappert, three brothers, William, Robert, Jerry Kappert, two sisters, Marie Mead and Helen Murray.

Surviving are his six children, John E.(Cora) Kappert of Stafford, VA, Linda (Mike) Richter, Connie Kappert-Knipp (Steve Knipp), Marie (Jim) Billingsley and Timothy (Lisa) Kappert, all of Mascoutah, IL, Lee Ann Wooley of Okawville, IL; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; brother, Donald (Loretta) Kappert of Evansville, IN; sister-in-law, Becky Kappert of O’Fallon, IL; numerous nieces, nephews, many friends and military comrades.

In lieu of all other gifts memorials may be made to Victory Church, 233 Scott Troy Rd., O’Fallon, IL 62269. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

VISITATION: Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2018 and from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

FUNERAL: A funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL with Pastor Jon Cannon and Eldon Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow in Mascoutah City Cemetery.