We mourn the sudden and unexpected passing of John Edward Menley, age 59, on November 17 ^th .  John was a lifelong resident of Overland, Missouri.  He was the adopted son of Samuel and Ruby (Myrtle) Menley and brother to Dwight.  John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rita (Summers), his parents and brother.

John was born May 29, 1963 and baptized on June 27, 1963, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Olivette where he attended grade school.  He was confirmed in 1977 and remained a member of Immanuel until his death.  Pastor Rory Karg will officiate a graveside service at Fee Fee Cemetery, in Bridgeton, at 10 am on Tuesday, December 6 ^th .

John grew up in a musically-gifted family and began playing the guitar and drums at an early age.  While a student at Ritenour High School, he formed a band under the name of JEM Express and participated in their talent show.  He continued to perform as JEM Express the rest of his life and included several friends as band members.  You may have seen him at Overland Watch picnics or other neighborhood events. John was in high demand at numerous nursing homes in the St. Louis area, playing this circuit for more than 20 years.  He was a talented entertainer with a true gift for "reading his audience" to know which of the more the 500 songs he had in his repertoire would put a smile on the faces of his audience. He and Rita would dress up as Santa & Mrs. Claus, to add extra Christmas cheer, especially at NHC Health Care in Maryland Heights, where his mother, brother and sister-in-law were in residence at various times.

After his graduation from High School, John began his career in the Grocery Industry at IGA in Overland and retired from Shop and Save, following a work related injury, around 2018.

John was a kind and gentle man, who lovingly took care of his mother and brother after his father's death in the 1985 and was the caregiver to his wife, as her health declined, until her passing in March of 2021.

John was a child of God who knew that his salvation was in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.  John will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Should you wish to memorialize John, a gift to Immanuel Lutheran School, 9733 Olive Blvd, Olivette, MO 63132 would be appreciated.