John Chris Bax

John Chris Bax, 69, of Defiance, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2012. John did a Tour of Duty in Vietnam, February 1969 - February 1970. While in Vietnam he served as Cannoneer on a 105 Artillery Gun, with the First Howitzer Section, Battery C, 7th Battalion, 13th Artillery. In addition to his normal duties within the section, he completely rebuilt every personnel bunker within the Battery. Because of John's knowledge of carpentry, the battery personnel enjoyed living in not only strong, dry, comfortable quarters, but also quarters that were nice in appearance. All of John's family thank him for all he has done for his country and most of all thank God he came home safely. His grandkids call him their Hero for helping to save our country. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church - New Melle, Carpenters Union #32, and the New Melle Horseshoe Club. He loved to fish and hunt, and loved spending time outdoors. He was the dear husband of Sophia Bax (nee Kempker); loving father to Gregory (Andrea) Bax, and Karla Sitzes; dear brother of Leonard, Jerry (Theresa), Raymond (Theresa), Anthony (Jeanie), Sylvester (Marge) Bax, Eleanor (Leander) Bax, Dorothy (Leo) Frazier, Mildred (Harold) Blomberg; loving brother-in-law of Hugo Blomberg; beloved grandfather of Nicole and Clay Bax, and Alex and Katelyn Sitzes; dear son-in-law of Bernadine Kempker. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Phillip and Augusta Bax; his sisters, Irene Blomberg and Catherine Bax; and his father-in-law, Anton Kempker. Visitation will be Thursday, June 7, 2012, from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Friday, June 8, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m., at Pitman Funeral Home, Wentzville, Mo. Funeral Mass will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary, New Melle, Mo. Memorials may be given to Immaculate Heart of Mary Building Fund, in care of Pitman Funeral Home, 1545 Wentzville Parkway, Wentzville, MO 63385, (636) 327-6600. Condolences and memories may be expressed at www.pitmanfuneralhome.com