He was born April 3, 1931 in Quincy, Illinois the son of John L. and Edith L. Deege Pyles. On March 25, 1966 he married Barbara Ann McQuary in Quincy. She survives.

John was a 1949 Quincy High School graduate, and he attended both Miliken University and Westminster College. He served in the U. S. Army. John was employed by Diamond Construction Company for over 40 years and retired in 1991 as Vice President. He was a member of The Crossing. He belonged to Quincy Masonic Lodge #296, A. F. & A. M., Quincy Consistory and Ansar Shrine. He was a member of the American Legion Post #37 where he was a member of the Honor Guard Burial Detail. He belonged to South Side Boat Club, and Quincy Gun Club where he was an avid trap shooter. John was also an avid fisherman.

Survivors also include two daughters, Beth Anne Schanbacher of Plainville, IL, and Suzan Lynn Schanbacher of Hannibal, MO; two aunts, Evelyn M. Troth of Quincy, IL, and Aylene Roling of Kansas City , MO; an uncle, Ben Finley of Jefferson City, MO, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Dorothy R. Pyles

Services: 11:00 am Thursday, July 10th 2008 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Harris officiating. Burial will be in Quincy Memorial Park.

Visitation: 4-7 pm Wednesday, July 9th at Hansen-Spear with Masonic services at 7 p.m.

Memorials: American Heart Association or the Quincy Humane Society

Website: www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.