John Cantrell

John Cantrell, cherished father, grandfather and brother, entered into Heaven on April 9, 2025, in Springfield, MO. Born in the town of Hartville, MO, on July 5, 1933, John's early years were marked by frequent moves, attending many grade schools and seventeen different high schools before graduating from Verdugo Hills High School in Tujunga, CA.

John met the love of his life, Emilie Poling, in Phoenix, AZ and the two were married on May 29, 1953.  Along with being an amazing husband and father caring for his family, John entered into service for his country.  He served in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 during the Korean Conflict. In 1965, John and Emilie moved with their family from Colorado to Branson. John worked many years in the telecommunications industry and retired from GTE in Branson in 1992. He also loved the time spent operating his own ranch, farming and raising cattle.

John was a man of faith. He had served as a deacon and on the finance committee at Victor Baptist Church, where he was a longtime member and cherished part of the church family.

John will also be remembered for his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing, turkey hunting, and searching for ginseng. He was also a skilled craftsman and spent time in his workshop transforming wood into beautiful treasures.

John will be deeply missed by his family:  children, Nan Clark & husband Tom Clark of Omaha, AR, Bonnie Wright & husband Dean Wright of Cedar Creek, MO, Christie Hall & husband Loran Hall, Jr. of Taneyville, MO and Wade Cantrell & wife Michael Cantrell of Walnut Shade, MO; one brother, Bob Matthews & wife Nancy Matthews of Kissee Mills, MO; eleven grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren as well as extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Emilie Cantrell; his parents, Ula & Nellie Cantrell; four siblings; twin great granddaughters, Elliana & Liliana Lay; and great grandson, Tavis Norby.

John leaves a lasting influence of faith, dedication and perseverance that will continue to live on in the hearts he touched. His life will be celebrated in funeral services on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory, Branson.  Pastor Kenny Robinette will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Hartville, MO. 

To honor John's memory, the family has requested that donations be made to the Victor Baptist Church, P. O. Box 635, Branson, MO 65615.

Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home & Crematory