John Herbert Rothwell Jr., loving father, husband, and servant of the Lord passed away peacefully January 16 ^th in Springdale, Arkansas.

John was born on February 10, 1937, in Willow Springs, Missouri, to Lillian Drymon Rothwell and John Herbert Rothwell Sr. After their divorce, Lillian met and married Walter Eugene Motzkus who was a widower with two sons: Walter Eugene Jr. and William Clay. Walter became Dad to John, and Walter's sons became John's brothers and best friends.

After graduating High School in Willow Springs, John enlisted in the Army and spent 6 years in Germany as a member of the Army Security Agency. There, he became proficient in German and Morse Code and developed a life-long love for German food. He made many friends with whom he stayed in touch for the rest of his life.

John returned home and married Edna Anne Beaty in 1961. They moved to Wichita, Kansas, and had three children together: John Herbert Rothwell III, Sharon Anne Rothwell (Rollins) and Christopher Neal Rothwell.

He led an interesting and fulfilling life. He had a variety of jobs including salesman, manager of a pest control company, restaurant manager, and, most famously, as the owner of Johnny's Pizza in downtown Springdale. John retired from the Kawneer Company in 2002 and then worked part-time for Flowers Bread Company and Bumper-To-Bumper Auto Parts.

John was an ordained minister in the Community of Christ church where he served his Lord in many capacities:  District President, District Youth Leader, Pastor, Sunday School teacher and Book Steward. John was a faithful servant to the Lord and his family, friends, and community until his death.  He and Edna delivered Meals on Wheels and collected donations for 7 Hills Homeless Center for many years.

He spoke each year for the Veteran's Day Assembly at Southwest Jr. High School. John looked forward to this event and his opportunity to share his experiences in the military and his love for his country with those present. John also shared his humorous experiences while in the military in a book titled, "Welcome to the Army, Camp Chaffee AR 1955 – How a country boy fulfilled his military obligation during the Cold War; from FFA to ASA".  John published and shared this with friends and family at no cost to them.

John was known for his sharp intellect, quick wit and sense of humor, and his love for his family and the Lord. John was a true friend; someone you could always count on. He was a great listener. He was a kind and sensitive man. He had a positive faith and always tried to do good. Part of him goes on in his family and grandkids and great grands forever through time. John served his earthly purpose very well. He will be missed terribly by everyone who knew him, but Lillian, Walter and his brothers will be thrilled to see him again and share some laughs together.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers. Surviving family members include Edna, who was his constant source of love and care, his children, 5 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. We love you Dad. Say hello to everyone, and we will see you soon.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, January 21, at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Mike Johnson and Nancy Rogers officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery .

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Circle of Life Hospice and requests memorial donations be made to Circle of Life.

The funeral service may be view here .

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