John Bales of Macon, Missouri passed away peacefully on October 17, 2026, at the age of 81. He grew up in Carrollton, Missouri, the third child of Dr. Eugene and Dorothy Bales. He was a drummer in the school band and met his bride-to-be, Rita, at a 7th grade dance. They married nine years later in 1966. He was the cherished father of Michele (Craig) Rose, Julie (Jamie) King, Erica (Adrien) Webb, and John Bales II; the beloved grandfather of Blake (fiancé Yun), Jack, Jameson (Megan), Jillian, Noah, Molly, Korey (Conner), Kodie, Kenzie, and Keaton. John was the brother of Gene Bales and mischievous brother-in-law of Pat Calvert, Margie Stober, Bill Sweeney, Bob Sweeney, John Sweeney, Connie Wiard and Annette Smith. He was preceded in death by his sister Nancy Hartle and Rita’s siblings Rose Marie Lavelock, Betty Armentrout, Dorothy Huppe, Raymond Sweeney, Dick Sweeney, Gene Sweeney and Dan Sweeney.
In college at the University of Missouri and the University of Kansas, he pursued degrees in math and engineering, which he loved. Later in life, John studied relentlessly to earn the Professional Engineer license. His first step in the job world was managing the family orchard, Bales Fruit & Berry Farm. He also served in the U.S. Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for nearly two years, achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. In 1979, John purchased Blomberg Building Company in Macon which he sold in 1991. At MoDOT, he enjoyed advancing his career in bridge engineering, serving as a liaison to counties in the district, and managing projects. The undertaking he was most proud of was the bridge over the Missouri River at Waverly, very close to his hometown.
John served for 11 years on the Macon County R-1 School Board and as president of the Macon Library Board. He was a longtime member of the Lions Club and Immaculate Conception Parish.
Always ready for a laugh, John loved a funny story and a visit. He was devoted to his family and friends and was a committed member of the “Dozen.” You could depend on him for construction details that included plenty of steel in the concrete. Living in the very solid house he and Rita built east of town was a highlight of his life. John loved music and loved to dance, especially in the kitchen, and he made top-notch Chex Mix and chili. Hershey bars and cashews were the favorite part of his diet. For more years than his family can count, his daily uniform included one of many, many plaid shirts and a red handkerchief in his pocket.
One of John’s favorite things to do was drink coffee with Rita, which they did for 60 years.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Monday, October 26, 2026, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Macon, with Monsignor Robert Kurwicki officiating. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Macon. A Rosary and prayer service will begin at 2:30 pm, Sunday afternoon, at the Immaculate Conception Church, followed by a visitation from 3 to 5 pm. The family suggests memorials to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, Immaculate Conception Church Maintenance Fund or the Macon County Ministries.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John Robert Welsh Bales Sr., please visit our Tree Store.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
