John Byron Giesler

Reverend John Byron Giesler, 91, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly, Friday, December 16, 2022, in his home in Columbia with his loving wife, Carol of 70 years, at his side.  John was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and was known for his gentle and charismatic nature and his unconditional love for his family and friends. His strong faith in Jesus was an integral part of his life and legacy.

He was born in Moberly, Missouri on February 5, 1931, to John A. and Catherine H. Giesler and graduated from Moberly High School and Moberly Junior College. He entered the Navy during the Korean War and served as a Navy Radar man stationed out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Following discharge, he completed his Bachelors in Economics at Bradley University.

He married his hometown sweetheart, Carol Carpenter, June 18th, 1952, in Honolulu, Hawaii during his Navy enlistment. They had three children. During his career he held positions in Regional Sales management and Vice President of Sales for companies including International Harvester, General Tire, Ayers Oil Company, US Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business.  Mid- life, He became an ordained minister with The Assemblies of God and pastored churches in Canton and Labelle until his full retirement at the age of 82.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Raymond Giesler.

Survivors include wife, Carol, of the home, daughter, Catherine Wilder (Kevin), Columbia MO, daughter Mary and son Mark, granddaughter Lauren Patterson (Jason), granddaughter Allison Thomas, several other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service with military honors will be held on Friday, January 6th at 12:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel and inurnment following at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life.Church at Life.Church Central, Attention: Giving Team, 4600 E 2nd St., Edmond, OK 73034.

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