John Kenneth Lassitter

John K Lassitter was born on August 28, 1938. His parents, Marshall Cainie Lassitter and Emma Christine Andersen Lassitter were among the first settlers in Baldwin County. John grew up on the family dairy farm in Greenwood, AL along with 9 brothers and sisters. As a boy, he loved hunting, fishing, and all manner of outdoor activities, going barefoot most of the summer. As a young man, John enlisted in the Army National Guard and served in the 31st "Dixie Division." John married Glenna Annette (Ann) Skipper on April 10, 1959, and together they had 3 daughters, Cathy, Gwen and Debbie. While working 6 1/2 days per week at the Robertsdale Feed Store, John spent his free time building a home for his young family, doing large portions of the work himself. At the Feed Store, John worked alongside the owner, J.W. Clark, and developed a reputation for hard work, integrity, and good cheer. He considered a handshake to be as good as a signed contract. After working with Mr. Clark for decades, John bought the business upon Mr. Clark's retirement in 1984 and continued to manage it until 1996. In addition to serving his country in the armed forces, John served his community on the Robertsdale City Council and Fire Department, and the Baldwin County School Board. Throughout his career, John took many college courses to expand his mind, including public speaking, botany, and landscaping. The family took long vacations by car, going as far as Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon, and camping each night during the trip. They also enjoyed shorter trips to the Gulf State Park and Munson, FL. John maintained his love for the outdoors into adulthood, and the family spent many evenings fishing and floundering in Mobile Bay, and throwing the cast net from the Fairhope Pier, along with his brother Norman and nephew Scott. In 1983 John and Ann built a new house on 40 acres in Rosinton and spent their time tending a huge vegetable garden and taking care of their cows, goats, dogs, cats, and stocked fish pond. Music was a constant presence in John's life. He was known to whistle while working, sang in a church quartet as a young man, and was a member of multiple bluegrass, gospel, and country bands. With no formal instruction, he taught himself to play the guitar, mandolin, banjo, and fiddle. When decades of hard work made it physically difficult to enjoy outdoor activities, music continued to provide a creative outlet. John's greatest source of joy was his family. In addition to his three daughters, Cathy (Doug) Byrd, Gwen (Michael) Windham, and Debbie (Jim) Clark, John had five grandchildren, Michael Christina (Donald) Johansson, Carrie (Victor) Richerson, Jonathan Byrd, Kimberly Windham, and John (Bailey) Clark and three great grandchildren, Clarabel Richerson, Tucker Byrd, and Cooper Byrd. He is preceded in death by his six siblings, Hazel Lassitter, Mildred (Herbert) Carliles, Luella (Charlie) Bishop, Floyd (Laura) Lassitter, Walter (Charlotte) Lassitter, Norman (Sharon) Lassitter, and by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Ann. He is survived by his sisters Eunice (Byron) Nordberg, Sandra (Bernard) Bixler, and LaDonna Peak. John departed this world on October 26, 2023, at the age of 85. He leaves behind many happy memories and the legacy of a long life well lived. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, well-wishers make a donation to their favorite charity. A celebration of John's life will be held Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2:00pm at Robertsdale First Baptist Church. Fellowship will follow in the Cafe. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 25102 STATE STREET ELBERTA, AL 36530 ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 25102 STATE STREET ELBERTA, AL 36530