John Barcus

John Milton Barcus, 97, son of the late John Abraham & Sarabelle Marie (Pender) Barcus, was born on January 16, 1922 and peacefully left this temporary home for his eternal home with the Lord on March 6, 2019.  He daily prayed for and was loving surrounded by his wife, six children and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Alice Ruth Barcus and their son James (Jimmy) Barcus who died as an infant in his arms.

He leaves his beloved wife of 21 years, Alice Elizabeth Barcus; six children: Joanna Bogert, John (Donna) Barcus, Julie (Bob) Stretch, Joel (Nancy) Barcus, Joy (Lee) Bartel, Janet (Brad) White; 13 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

After his graduation from Moody Bible Institute, John and Alice Ruth applied to Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant Ministries).  They served in Morocco, North Africa for 15 years returning to the states for their children’s educational needs and a health issue.    John planted a church in Indiana where he led the congregation for six years.  A few years ago, John preached at that church’s 50-year anniversary, but missions was his first love.  The family moved to Kansas City where he served in GMU’s headquarters for 20 years and became an active member of Avondale Baptist Church.  GMU reassigned John and Alice Ruth to overseas service once again and they spent the next ten years in Belgium and England.  Following the death of Alice Ruth and a period of seven lonely years, John married Alice Elizabeth.  That in and of itself is a romance and love story worthy of publication.  John and Alice Elizabeth remained active in missions and Avondale Baptist Church until his death.