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John Steven Launius
MOREHOUSE, Mo. — Obituaries are typically a dry, dissertation in which the grieving family members report (matter-of-factly), the “death” of a loved one; A brief synopsis of their ancestry, their survivors, and a fleeting glimpse of deeds and a “nod” to past achievements. I have chosen to relieve my family of this unpleasant task by penning my own obituary. ...
I, John Steven Launius, have apparently been “pronounced dead” by some nondescript official. Know this to be a boldfaced lie! While my “vessel” may have succumbed to age and affliction, “I” have not. My body was just the means by which I carried my head around from place-to-place. “It” has indeed died. Go ahead and bury it, I “got me a new one,” and don’t need the old, worn out, wrinkled one anymore. Know this announcement to be NOT one of death, but rather one of BIRTH.
For, as of Sept. 15, 2023, I am a newborn in the Kingdom of Heaven! And for those interested in the rudimentary statistics of my life, I’ll oblige by noting that my journey across this ball of dirt began with my debut, Dec. 1, 1954. (It was a Wednesday, if I recall. ...) It marked the beginning of 68 years in which I was richly blessed with an abundance of love, laughter and sweet experiences. I can also now officially say, with a matter of pride, that I have lived in Morehouse, Missouri, my “entire” life and for several decades contributed a weekly column entitled “Mostly Morehouse News” in the Standard Democrat.
I have been blessed beyond measure to have been accompanied, loved and tirelessly supported by my beloved wife of nearly 45 years, Michi Launius. Additional treasures came with the names Angelia and Heath Thomas and their children Kathleen, Heath Michael, and Jack; Lora and Harold Fodge and their children Kayla and Austin Williamson (great-grandchildren Delaney and Colson), Hannah and Caroline; Chris and Larissa Launius and their children Bradley and Karla (great-grandchild Eli), Jillian and Paige; Wendy and Philip Tidwell and their son Nicholas; and John T. and Carly Launius and their children Lucy and Gray.
Traipsing ahead of me to Glory were my beloved parents, Carl and Maxine Launius along with my brother, Ronald “Ron” Launius and countless friends. Still living is my sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and Ron Klutts.
My labor of love was found at the Sikeston Power Plant where I spent 33 years. A lot of friends, a lot of laughs, a little blood, very little sweat, and even fewer tears.
Third in the “line of love” behind God and family was my passion for flying. The freedom of flight was a thrill that never grew old.
Like all of us, (from first breath in, to last breath out), my times of joy were interspersed by moments of sorrow and pain. Such is life. But even in the shadows of distress, I found comfort and solace from my loving, Heavenly Father. The same Father with whom I now reside. Miss me if you must…but only for a little while.
The “legacy” I leave is one of an enduring love. Love for God, love for family and love for the brevity of life spent in the midst of those most dear.
Know that I am more than “okay” MUCH more! For I’ve made it home ... home at last.
Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour at 3 p.m. at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel with Rev. Scott Sutton of New Life Ministries officiating.
Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery in Dogwood, Missouri.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Launius family can be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.
The family has requested that gifts of love be made to the following charities in John’s memory:
American Cancer Society, 5101 Wheelis Drrive, Suite 100, Memphis, TN 38117; St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, 300 Floyd Ave., Sikeston, MO 63801