John Henry Bigley

John Henry Bigley, born April 20th, 1946 in Denver CO went into the resting arms of God on March 15, 2023 with his daughter, Melissa at his bedside. John graduated in 1964 from West High School in Denver and was later drafted in to service with the US Army on December 20, 1965. After completing his basic and advanced MOS training John proudly served in South Vietnam with the 1st Air Cavalry Division, heavy artillery. He would often boast of carrying a 142lb. projectile when he only weighed 110lbs. After his military service, John returned to Denver where he met Linda Kathleen Miller. Soon after he swept her off her feet they married on July 18, 1970 in their home. John owned and operated a very successful sign shop and later worked for Bill’s Jeep as a mechanic. In the early 80’s he became a hoist man for Swartswalter Uranium Mine in Golden, CO. He was there for 12 years and often joked about “glowing in the dark”. John then went to work for Center Rental (now RSC) for 23 years as a heavy equipment mechanic where he became well known for his hard work and knowledge. After his retirement in 2007, he had a lot more time on his hands to enjoy his passions of fishing, camping, auto racing and being grandpa to his three grandsons. It was in 2013 John received news from his doctor that he needed to leave the elevation of Colorado. This was when the Mizio family along with John moved to Missouri. John did his best to make new friends but his heart was still in Colorado. Racing became huge for John when his grandson, Cole, began racing at Historic Bolivar Speedway. John was preceded in death by his father, Henry J Bigley; his mother Erna E Bigley; and his wife Linda Kathleen. He leaves to continue on his sister, Kathy Schwindt, daughter Melissa Hernandez, three grandsons: Kyle Mizio, Cole Mizio and George Mizio Jr, two sons-in-law George Mizio and Alex Hernandez and his best “fur” friend Zack. In lieu of flowers John has requested donations be made to Furry Hearts, PO Box 540, Stockton, MO 65785. Donations can also be sent via Paypal@furryhearts2018@gmail.com. On March 31, 2023 at 1:00 PM John Bigley will be escorted by the Warrior Watch Riders from Joplin, MO to First Christian Church located on 407 W. Broadway Bolivar, MO 65613. We will have a celebration of life. Lunch is provided following services for family, extended family. (Invitation Only) Services at Ft Logan National Cemetery in Colorado will be in May, date will be announced soon.

John Henry Bigley

April 20, 1946 - March 15, 2023