John Andrew Kastanas...

John Andrew Kastanas was born on January 11, 1957 in Clayton, Missouri.  He was the beloved son of Andrew & Marian (Kontoleon) Kastanas and baptized at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis.  After graduating from Clayton High School, John joined the United States Army.  He received numerous decorations for his military skills and received an honorable discharge from service in 1981 at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky.

John earned a bachelor’s degree from School of the Ozarks (now College of the Ozarks) in Pt. Lookout, Missouri.  He had lived in Branson for many years but also enjoyed time living and working in St. Louis and Florida.  His life’s work was centered around construction and real estate, and he enjoyed a successful career as a building contractor.

Beyond work, John was a competitor and accomplished martial artist. He had a great love for restoring classic cars and riding Harley's. His adventurous spirit was a joy to witness, especially when shared with his beloved son Jak, with whom he shared his love of motorbikes and the outdoors and just the simple pleasure of hanging out together.

John's legacy is marked by his strength, intelligence, and remarkably good-natured humor, which touched everyone he met. He was not just funny, but a truly kind and good soul.

John passed away in Branson on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the age of 68 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He  was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew & Marian Kastanas and his brother, Deno Kastanas.

He is survived by his son, John A. “Jak” Kastanas and his wife and Jak’s mother, Katarina Vicencio; his Godson, Zach Azari; his sister, Christina Tsahiridis & husband Dimitri of Branson as well as many extended family members and friends.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield with full military honors.  Arrangements are in the care Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.

In John’s memory, memorial gifts may be made to the family for the benefit of Jak Kastanas.