A Life Story
John Lamar Rekart passed away at the age of 93 on Sunday, September 20, at Thrive on Skidaway Island. John grew up in St. Louis Missouri. He was an athlete, and played sports all through school. When minor league baseball teams came to town, they would pay John to pitch at the games. He attended St. Louis University where he studied business and was part of the ROTC program. Upon graduation John joined the Air Force and served for three years. Upon his honorable discharge he joined Monsanto and worked there for thirty years. John and his wife, Dian, moved to The Landings of Skidaway Island in 1996, where they enjoyed playing golf and tennis, bike rides, dinner groups, and events at the South Marina. John loved to fish and was always trying out different spots for the next big catch. As things slowed down it was all about watching the next sporting event — golf tournaments, football games and baseball with a little basketball and hockey thrown in — he always knew the players and their history. But nothing made John and Dian happier than when family came to visit. While Dian passed away in 2022, she and John had many years and opportunities to celebrate their family that has grown over the years. John enjoyed sharing his love of sports and fishing with the family and equally loved hearing about everyone’s accomplishments. John is survived by his three daughters, Michele Grossi (Mark), Nicolé Donoghue (Sean), and Kirsten Vignec (Bob); eight grandchildren, Ryan (Andrea), Evan (Ellen), Sean (Ana), Caitlin (Doug), Maggie (Mark), Tim (Bridget), Olivia, and Sophia, as well as 11 great-grandchildren and the many extended family members that called him “Grandpa John.” John’s faith was important to him and he was quick to pray for us all. Whenever he knew something important was happening, he was quick to let you know that he would say a “little one” for you and yours. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. James the Less Catholic Church on October 24, 2026 at 11 AM. St. James is located at 8412 Whitefield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia. Donations can be made to Sisters of Loretto in lieu of flowers.