John H. Brister, 81 of Lehigh Acres and former resident of Immokalee, died peacefully Thursday morning, April 3rd at Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres. He was an avid bass fisherman and had won many a tournaments, having a special talent for catching "the big one"  A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the Navy on board the aircraft carrier, the USS Essex. John had been active in the Immokalee Chamber of Commerce, the Immokalee Rotary Club, the Lions Club and the Immokalee Masonic Lodge as well as Scottish Rite, a former member of First Baptist Church of Immokalee and a current member of the Richmond Avenue Baptist Church Lehigh Acres.

In 1968 he opened Brister Funeral Home in Immokalee where he served the community until his retirement in 1997.  His wife Mary (Midge) worked beside him providing care and comfort for many grieving families.  His son Joe and wife Barb, still operate the funeral home today, continuing the legacy of compassionate service.

John will be remembered for many great things, the "old timers" remember how he would shake your hand and everyone would get a great laught. He loved his children and grandchildren and loved to be an "instigator", and in the end he would have everyone laughing with him.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Mary (Midge) Brister, 4 sons: John Brister, Jr., Perry H. Brister (Brannon), Scott Brister (Barbie) and Joe Brister (Barb),  4 daughters: Julia McLaughlin (Russell), Diana Lientz (Rex), Jacquelyn Boberg, Gwendolyn Rose (David), 2 brothers: Steve Brister (Retha) and Kenny Brister (Pat), 17 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren ( with another one on the way).  He also leaves behind his beloved pets; Bonkers the cat and Sammy the dog. John was preceded in death by his precious son Jimmy and one brother; George.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 19th at 1 pm at Richmond Avenue Baptist Church, 304 Richmond Avenue, Lehigh Acres with Pastor David Soden officiating.

Friends are invited to join together to share good memories of John with the family before the Memorial Service, from 12-1 pm at the church.

Memorial would be appreciated to : Hope Hospice, Lehigh; or Valor Program of Hope Hospice or Richmond Ave. Baptist Church Bldg. Fund.