John Vincent Pyle

John Vincent Pyle, 65, of St. Charles, Missouri passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2018. John was born on July 29, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the son of the late Lee Troy and Eunice Helen (Pevril) Pyle. John married Laura Shaw on November 5, 2003, in Clayton, Mo by the Justice of The Peace. Laura and John fondly refer to themselves as "Couple #10" married on that special day in November.

From his early childhood it was clear that John possessed prodigy talents in the area of art. As a child he would pick-up a pencil and draw any figure from memory. As he grew so did his passion for art and literature. Later, after serving in the Army, John attended the University of Missouri where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and his Masters in Education. He is one of the rare individuals that spent the remainder of his life doing what he loved, which was being an artist. Art was like breathing to John because it came so natural to him.

While in the U.S. Army, John was stationed in Germany. Again, he shared his gift of art and literature by becoming a graphic artist and writer for the U.S. Military's independent news sources, "The Stars and Stripes" and "Arrow" newspapers. It is here that John became recognized as an outstanding artist and writer. Because of John's imagination and constant desire to improve the quality of the newspaper, the "Arrow" obtained a DA rating as one of the top five U.S. Army newspapers and securing a total of 18 V Corps, USAREUR and DA awards, to include two coveted "J" awards for excellence.

John's military contributions ultimately earned him the honor of becoming one of the elite Enlisted Men below an E6 to receive the Meritorious Service Medal. This medal was personally presented to John by Major General Joseph C. McDonough, Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division

John was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Troy Pyle and brother-in-law, Vincent Wayne Shaw.

John is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Laura Shaw of St. Charles; 3 sisters, Marcia Lee Nickels of Eldon, MO, Christine Mae (Gary) Leonard of Cape Girardeau, MO and Dee Ann (Alan) Muse of Indianapolis, IN; brother, James Aaron (Joyce) Pyle of Festus, MO and several loving nieces and nephews.

John also is survived by Laura's loving family; mother-in-law, Betty Sue Shaw; father-In-law, Billy Wayne Shaw and sister-in-law, Kim Dion (Gerry) Boutwell all living in St. Louis.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Sunday, January 14, 2018, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions ,837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters. John's funeral ceremony will be held Monday, January 15, 2018, at 10:00 am at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions with burial to follow on Tuesday, January 16, at 11:00 am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. For family and friends planning to attend the committal service at the cemetery on Tuesday, please meet at Newcomer's by 9:30 am.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Kidney Transplant Program 1001 Highlands Plaza Drive West, Suite 140 St. Louis, MO 63110-1337 and the Humane Society of Missouri.

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