John Wescoat

John Wescoat, 77, of New Madrid, MO, passed away on March 24, 2021 at his home. He was born on December 12, 1943 in Sikeston, MO, the son of the late Alice Lewis Wescoat and Seibert O'Bannon Wescoat. John grew up in Kewanee, MO, and was a member of the Kewanee Baptist Church. He farmed with his father from the time he was big enough to get up on the tractor, until he graduated New Madrid High School in 1961. Then he started his farming career and actively farmed until he retired in 2017 when his son John Paul took over the family farming operation. He voluntarily served on many boards and committees, most associated with farming, during his life which include: New Madrid County Port Authority for over 20 years, Delta Growers, ASCS/FSA, New Madrid County Health Department and Drainage District #39. John was united in marriage to Phyllis Faulkner Wescoat on November 27, 1964, who survives of the home. They were blessed with four children who survive of New Madrid. Paula Hayes and husband Danny, Stacey Wescoat, John Paul Wescoat II and wife Michelle, and Abbie Wescoat. John was known as Poppy by his eight grandchildren; Lofton Hayes (wife Kelsey), Mary Clara Hayes, Andrew Cooper, Elaine Wescoat, Emmie Wescoat, Carson Cooper, Jack Wescoat, Simon Cooper and 2 great-grandchildren; Drake and Clara May Hayes. John not only made a great impact in the farming community, he lived his life with integrity and generosity. He and Phyllis devoted their lives to spending time with family and raising their children. He was preceded in death by his eight siblings: James Curtis "Buck" Wescoat, twins Virgie "Lady" Lawfield and Virgil Seibert "White" Wescoat, Ruth Phillips, Betty Clark, Shirley Broughton, his twin Joan Smith, and Judy Richard. Services will be at Richards Funeral home in New Madrid Friday, March 26, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Visitation will be from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. Pall bearers: Trey Lawfield, Jarrett Lawfield, Derek Lawfield, Russ Wescoat, Todd Albright and Jason Cope In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Legacy Hospice of Kennett, 607 Billington, Kennett, MO 63857 or St. Jude Children's Hospital or New Madrid Immaculate Conception School

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