Francis “John” Mingus, age 84, was born in Polson, MT on May 13, 1932. He joined the Lord in Heaven on February 7, 2017. John was raised in Butte, MT and Seattle, WA . John and Natalie met at Seattle University. They were married May 9, 1959. He served in the Army with SCARWAF in the mid 1950’s. John started his career as a teacher and later moved his family to Northern California where he owned/managed rental units. John had a successful career in Public Relations, first with Georgia Pacific and then as President/CEO of Keep Oregon Green Association for 21 years until retiring in 2001. He and Natalie loved to travel in their motorhome to the Oregon Coast and around the country to visit family and friends. John was highly involved in his church, St. Joseph’s, and known for his strong faith, mentorship, and generosity. He loved to play cards, read, and play golf and in years past he was a private pilot with his own plane. Visitation is at Restlawn on February 12, 2017 from 4pm-7pm. The funeral will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Salem, Oregon on February 13, 2017 at 10am. John will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery with military honors.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Natalie; his six children James Roy Mingus (Adela), CA; Kim Flinchbaugh (David), WA; Patty Meighen (Greg), OR; Mike Mingus (Lisa), OK; Tony Mingus (Tawnya),OR; and Paul Mingus (Joy), MO; and 15 grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.