John A. "Jack" Behrens

John A. (Jack) Behrens, 91, passed away Friday, Dec 6 2013 in Round Rock, Texas. Mr. Behrens was a long time school educator/administrator in Missouri. He was born April 27, 1922 to Richard A. and Harriet Spann Behrens and raised in Cape Girardeau, MO. Jack graduated from Cape Central H.S. in 1940 and attended SEMO 1940-1943 before entering active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, assigned to V12 Officer Training Program at Western Michigan University. He played Varsity Basketball at both SEMO and Western Michigan. Jack made the winning shot for SEMO in the 1943 NAIA National Championship Basketball game and is a member of the SEMO Athletic Hall of Fame. In 1944 Jack was assigned to 5th Marine Division stationed in the Pacific. After WWII he stayed in the Marine Corps Reserves. In 1946 he received a B.S. Degree in History from SEMO, moved to St. Louis MO and worked at the Veteran�s Administration and in education. Jack was recalled to active duty in 1950 with the 2nd Marine Division for Korean War service. He returned from active duty, was reassigned to the Marine Corps Reserve, retiring after 20 years with the rank of Major. Jack earned a Master�s Degree from Washington University in St. Louis in 1955. He worked in education in the Kirkwood School District and then returned to work for SEMO in 1962, finally retiring in 1986 as SEMO University Admissions Director. Mr. Behrens and family resided in Webster Groves MO for 33 years. Jack and his wife of 64 years, Charlotte, enjoyed many good years of retirement, traveling the US by car visiting friends and family. Mr. Behrens� family was lifelong members of Old St. Vincent�s Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau where he served as an usher. Jack was a consummate gentleman, a true friend, a great listener who had a very dry sense of humor and a great smile. He loved watching sports, especially college basketball and football and reading newspapers. Jack treasured his lifelong friendship with Rolla Anderson and Jack Lamkin. Dear friends, Merit Leming, Bob Chisum & Jack (Pug) Russell and his granddaughter, Katelyn Spann Chatron, preceded Mr. Behrens in death. Jack is survived by his wife Charlotte Nann Blackford Behrens, brother Richard P (Dick) Behrens, Del Ray Beach, FL, sister-in-law Marjorie Cord, Rohnert Park, CA; son Richard Spann Behrens and wife Debbie - Saginaw, TX, daughter Barbara Ann Chatron and husband Mike, Round Rock, TX, grandchildren Megan Lott (Alan), Anne Miller (Mike), Lance Waddill, Angie Uptmore (James), 5 great-grandchildren: Hallie, Jordan & Erin Lott, Evelyn & Harrison Uptmore. His nephews Chris Cord, Richard (Skeeter) Behrens, John Behrens & Robert Behrens will greatly miss him. Visitation will be Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel. Parrish prayers will begin at 5:30. Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Old St. Vincent's Catholic Church. Memorial contributions in Jack Behrens name can be made to the Old St. Vincent�s Church in Cape Girardeau or Southeast Missouri State University general scholarship fund.

Tributes

John A. "Jack" Behrens

December 6, 2013