John Peter Morian, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully in his O'Fallon, Illinois home Monday, February 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born October 1, 1952 in Munich, Germany, the eldest son of John P. Morian, Sr. and Henrietta (nee Raub) Morian. After serving abroad, the family returned to St. Louis where John grew up and attended Lindbergh High School.

He fell in love with literature as a youth, and he remained a passionate reader all his life.  He developed a great appreciation for the arts, which he would go on to share with his family.  John had an adventurous spirit, and as a young adult he enjoyed traveling across the country until he found his calling to serve others.

He received a Bachelor's degree from Maryville University in 1979 and worked as a respiratory therapist while continuing his studies at St. Louis University. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1982 with a Bachelor of Medical Science, and certification as a Physician Assistant. He completed a surgical residency at Norwalk Hospital in Norwalk, Connecticut, through the Yale University School of Medicine.

While a PA student at SLU, John met and married the love of his life Mary in 1981. They were married 41 years and blessed with three children. While raising his family John served in the United States Air Force, completing his career as a Major in the Medical Service Corps. During his service, John received several awards including the Meritorious Service Medal.

John was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dan Morian of Phoenix, Ariz.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mary B. Gibbons, children Jennifer Callaway (Brett) of Portage, Ind., John "Pete" Morian, III of O'Fallon, Ill., Karen Morian (Geoff Smith) of Aspen, Colo., his granddaughter Nora Callaway, brother Robert Morian of Dallas, Texas, and sister-in-law Maryann Morian, of Phoenix, Ariz..

The family will receive friends from 11 am – Noon, Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O'Fallon, lll. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Noon, at church, with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding.

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, all are welcome to gather at Wolfersberger Funeral Home at 1:30 pm, where Patriot Guard Riders of Illinois will honor John. Procession will depart the funeral home promptly at 1:45 pm, for a Graveside Service to begin at 2:30 pm, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., with Fr. Thomas Lugge officiating. Military honors will be rendered.

Sign the guest book at www.wfh-ofallon.com . John was a great lover of all animals, and he especially cared for dogs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110 or via www.hsmo.org .