John Clites Brink passed away June 11, 2009, at Ozark Community Hospital. He had been an active member of Second Baptist Church. He grew up in Western Oklahoma and graduated from Oklahoma A&M, now, Oklahoma State University, in May 1941. Colonel John Brink was born January 15, 1920 in Des Moines, New Mexico, and was commissioned in the United States Army Reserve on May 15, 1941. His assignments have taken him to England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg, Germany, the Philippine Islands, Guam, Japan, Korea, Panama Canal Zone, Viet Nam, and the following stations in the continental United States: Fort Benning, Georgia; Memphis, Tennessee; Camp Wolters, Texas; Baltimore, Maryland; Presidio of Monterey, California; Fort Rucker, Alabama; Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Pullman, Washington; Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and Fort Lewis, Washington. The service of Colonel Brink has been recognized by award of the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze service stars, World War II Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with one silver star and one bronze service star, and the United Nations Service Medal. Colonel Brink entered the military service from the State of Oklahoma. He retired from active duty on January 1, 1964, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Following retirement, Colonel Brink and his family lived on a cattle ranch in Viola, Arkansas. The family moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1992. Survivors are his wife, Virginia; son, James; daughters, Joan Martin, Mary Beth Thomas; and Jean, who preceded him in death. Graveside services with full military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2009 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery with the Reverend Richard Walker officiating, under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Friends may call anytime after 8:00 a.m. Monday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the Brink family request that donations be made to the Army Emergency Relief Fund C/O Army Community Service Center 486 Replacement Avenue Fort Leonard Wood, Mo 65473.