John W.  “JW” Selleck Sr.

John W.  “JW” Selleck Sr., 88, Center, Mo., passed away at 6:49 p.m., Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, at Hannibal Regional Hospital in Hannibal, Mo.

John was born Aug. 20, 1934, in Laddonia, Mo., to Eugene Francis and Margie Leah Burch Selleck. He was married to Mary Emily Shipp on June 25, 1952, in Laddonia. She survives.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Mary Selleck; two children, John W. Selleck Jr. (Donna) and Sheila Roberts (Frank Ford);  five grandchildren, Mike Trower (Kim), Angie Jackson (Derrill), Jody Sharp (Lance Bowling), Chris Selleck (Lynn Blickhan), Stephanie Freidlein (Shawn); 12 great-grandchildren, Destinee Pezley (Brandon), Summer Brown (Jake), Dillon Selleck, Brice Terrill, Maddilyn Loften (Jesse), Blayde Terrill, Georgia Mack, Zanie Terrill, Avery Trower, Ayden Sharp, Bristol Sharp and Emma Selleck; six great-great-grandchildren, Aubry Brown, Zayden Brown, Remington Lofton, Sophia Brown, Luna Lococo and Maison Pezley; and one sister, Helen Talbot.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Delores Murphy; one brother, Bobby Gene Selleck; one son, Jeffrey Selleck; and two best friends, Henry Dooley and Paul McAlister.

John served his country in the Army National Guard during the Korean War from 1952 through 1958. 

He proudly worked to support his family as owner operator of Center Feed & Seed from 1966 to 1976 and then his longtime

career of over 40 years with Leeser Trucking.

Those who knew John well could tell you he had a stubborn streak in him that was hard to tangle with but more importantly he was a hardworking, dedicated family man who was always there for those he loved. 

He enjoyed traveling with his family, often heading to the Lake of the Ozarks for some boating and family fun. He looked forward to the Missouri State Fair every year to watch the horse races and liked to fondly look back at their trip to Las Vegas to see Wayne Newton. 

John was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, catching a game whenever he could. He also enjoyed a good western, especially those with his favorite actors, John Wayne and James Arnez.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, at Lewis Brothers. Pastor Paul Reese will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra.

Pallbearers will be Chris Selleck, Dillon Selleck, Mike Trower, Brice Terrill, Blayde Terrill and Ayden Sharp.

Honorary pallbearers will be Angie Jackson, Jody Sharp, Stephanie Freidlein, Destinee Pezley, Summer Brown, Maddilyn Lofton, Georgia Mack, Zanie Terrill, Avery Trower, Bristol Sharp and Emma Selleck.

Friends and family are invited to John’s life celebration at a visitation that will be held from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday, Sept. 29, at Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.LewisBrothersFuneralChapel.com.