John Joseph Bozarth Sr.

John Joseph Bozarth, Sr., 83, of Sedalia, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home in Sedalia. He was born on May 14, 1942, in Sedalia, the son of Willie Edward Bozarth and Ines Ann (Nowlin) Bozarth, who preceded him in death.

On May 14, 1959, in Sedalia, he was united in marriage to Virginia Frances Clevenger, who survives of the home.

John was a hardworking man with a gift for mechanics and a lifelong love for racing. During the 1970s, he served as Assistant Fire Chief for Pettis County and also helped provide security at the fairgrounds during the 1974 Rock Festival. He built and raced sprint cars from the 1960s until the late 1970s. Later, he and his son built and raced micro midgets, taking pride in building race cars from the ground up and doing the mechanical work themselves.

John also enjoyed working on vehicles out of his garage for family and friends. During the 1980s and 1990s, he and Virginia enjoyed camping together, often traveling to Branson, MO. He treasured time spent with his family and will be remembered for his skills, dedication, and the many memories he made with those he loved.

In addition to his wife, Virginia, John is survived by two daughters, Ruby Larsen and her husband, Tim, and Mary Hill and her husband, Ruben, all of Sedalia; four grandchildren, Johnny, Ernie, Bobbie, and Chandler; eight great-grandchildren, Addison, Kinsey, Johnny, Kason, April, Jaxon, Bentley, and Lily; bonus grandchildren, Shaynna and Bessie; a niece, Shelly Starr; a nephew, Gene Bozarth; and many cousins.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by two brothers, James Bozarth and Billy Bozarth; and a son, John Bozarth, Jr.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Rea Funeral Chapel.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

Honorary bearers will be Ruben Hill, Tim Larsen, Chandler Hill, Johnny Bozarth, Ernie Bozarth, Gene Bozarth, Sammy Clevenger, and Johnny Broyles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pettis County Fire District in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.