John E. Senter, Sr.

John Senter spent his early years in Plaistow, New Hampshire and worked even as a young boy in his fathers tire shop called “ Senter Tire “ . He and his brothers would often roam the neighborhood woods on horse back and take boats out to the rivers  and lakes . He loved the sea and spent a lot of time there off and on over his lifetime . He took part in trade school in high school and learned to be a pipe fitter as a construction trade . John drove semi trucks and delivered goods , milk and steel all over New England and maintained an active CDL license well into his later years . His son and grandson have followed in that trade as well .He enlisted in the US Army and worked in the motor pool and as a mechanic . He could tinker and fix nearly anything to get it running even if it looked like it should be in the scrap yard . John loved to trade animals and would often barter his services for his families supper . He entertained many with his wild horse story tales and adventures with “ the horse that closed its eyes when it ran “ and “ big red “ who would jump anything , even a car. 

John’s construction years allowed him to help build bridges and work on various commercial structures . He was one of the “ crazies who walked the red Iron “!

John and Fran moved west to Mo and  settled down in a little town called Florence , Mo. 

In Florence , God found John and John found Jesus…and his life was forever changed as well as how he treated his family and other people .

He went from “ just a good ole boy who should offer you a beer “ to  a good ole Baptist Preacher Man who would offer you Jesus and the way to Heaven!!  He understood finally that he was put on this earth for a reason. 

His later years were filled with helping others and trying to make a living part time as well as helping in the church in the Lake City , Fl area.  In 2005 he lost his first wife “ Franny” and he poured himself into helping others and praying for people . He was a simple man and you always knew what he stood for and “ no frills required”.  His favorite food was a hamburger and second was anything else all layered together and ending up between two slices of bread . John was blessed to find love again with his wife Dee Gee in the fall of 2019.  They were active members of Mt Beulah Baptist Church until his passing . 

A few Thoughts follow from his wife “ Dee Gee”

If there was a medal for kindness , John earned one . As his wife I can honestly say he was a wonderful husband and friend , never complaining, always Thankful for everything and laughing often.  He enjoyed life to the fullest and read his Bible everyday and prayed . He loved his family and church and I will miss his funny grin ….Mr. Senter was preceded in death by his parents, Frank K. Senter and Helen P. Severence Senter; and one brother, Frank K. Senter, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Veronica McMullen Senter, Wellborn; two sons, John E. Senter, Jr. and wife Pamela and James E. Senter and wife Susan; two daughters, Linda G. Rucker and husband Bryan and Kathleen A. Johnson; two brothers, Steve T. Senter and David B. Senter; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Graveside funeral services for Mr. Senter will be conducted on Friday, October 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hopeful Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Gooch officiating.  Interment will follow. 

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