John L. Baucom, 65, of Collinsville, Ill., born Jan. 25, 1949, in Highland, Ill., died Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

John loved the Lord and his family. He adored his wife and cherished every day of their 44 years together. He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren, he was never afraid of hard work, he cared about people and was a good friend to many. He loved life and brought joy to someone every day with a joke or his contagious smile.

He liked helping others and was honest and trustworthy. He was spiritual and always had great hope. What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. He was our hero. He was a member of Life Church.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Noveta, nee Holt, Baucom; three brothers; and one sister.

Surviving are his wife, Marie, nee Gibson, Baucom of Collinsville, Ill.; his children, Eva (Johnny) Murray of Belleville, Ill., Shirley Baucom of Collinsville, Ill.; John (Jennifer) Baucom of Granite City, Ill., and James Wardwell of Collinsville, Ill.; his sisters and brothers, Helen Link of Collinsville, Ill., Bill (Beth) Baucom of Ohio, Jerry (Judy) Baucom of St. Jacob, Ill., Shirley (Earl) Carlton of Litchfield, Ill., and Judy Endsley of Greeley, Colo.; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., with Pastor Mike Fowler officiating.