obituaries

John Bloomer

Godfrey |

John Robert Bloomer Sr.  DOB: 11-06-25/Death: 02-01-12

It was an honor for the family of John Robert Bloomer Sr. to be with him at home where he passed peacefully with his family around him.  Just as is typical of War Veterans, he fought his last battle with honor, courage and dignity.

John is the son of the late John Robert Bloomer and the late Esther Harriette (Fitch) Bloomer, as well as adoptive parents Loren K. Freeman Ph.D. & Bess Vivien (Bloomer) Freeman MA.

John R. Bloomer Sr. retired June 30th, 1988 after having served as a State Farm Insurance Agent for 32 years, 11 months.

His formal education included: Alton High School, University of Illinois - Navy Diesel School, Shurtleff College, & computer skills training after retirement, which led to John building his own computer system.  

Marriage:  John married Rosa Lee Adams on June 10th, 1949 in Alton, IL.  Rosa Lee has stated:  “After meeting John, I knew that this was the man I would marry and have a family with.”  “I knew immediately that he was intelligent & we would definitely have bright children.”  “As time went by, I found out that he had an amazing memory for detail, and possessed the skills to repair, build, or fix anything from an airplane, a house, and antique clocks.” 

Family:  4 Children - Deborah Ann Bloomer, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Vivien L.  Bloomer-Bliss,  Salem, OR and  Terrence Bliss, Salem, OR;  Thomas J. Bloomer & Linda Williamson Bloomer of Lockbourne, OH;  John R. Bloomer III, deceased 7-05-2007; one brother Bill J. Bloomer deceased 5/30/2008; 2 grandchildren, Emerald Rose Bloom-Johnson of San Francisco, CA., and Ali Arthur Lee of Ashland, Oregon.

Affiliations:  Member of the Board of Directors for Alton Memorial Hospital for 28 years, Past President of Lewis and Clark Life Underwriters Association, Past President of Alton Toastmasters, and Past President & Secretary-Treasurer of

U.S.S. DENVER (CL-58) ASSOCIATION, INC.  Lifetime Member of Post 1308 Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Chairman, Board of Trustees, Godfrey Township Utility Board and Past President D’Adrian Gardens Property Owners Association.

Military Service:  In relation to his military service, John stated:  “Other than raising a family of 4 children, my most important life’s work was my service in the United States Navy in defense of my country, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”

John Robert Bloomer US Navy 1943- 1945

Motor Machinist’s Mate 3/C  * USS DENVER (CL-58)

Battle of Kula Bay, 6 May 1943, Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, 2 Nov 1943, Liberation of the Philippines: Leyte Gulf, 17 Oct 1944, Battle of Surigao Strait, 25 Oct 1944, as well as the battles of: Mindoro, Lingayen Landings, Palawan, Mindanao, Balikpapan, Borneo.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  Private graveside services will be conducted on Friday, February 3, 2012 at Upper Alton Cemetery.  Full military rites will be conducted by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton.

Memorials suggested are: Senior Services Plus, Inc., 2603 N. Rodgers Ave, Alton, IL 62002 or Oasis Women’s Center, 111 East Market, Alton, IL 62002.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.  We wish to thank the following agencies & individuals: Absolute Health Care including Deb, Connie Diane Michelle Clara & Phyllis, as well as BJC Hospice, Brenda & Christa.  The family wishes to also express extreme gratitude to Dr.’s Leo & Chris Green for a life time of family care. 

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com


Obit Provided By:
Pitchford Funeral Home

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