John A. Schlichting, 91, Springfield, MO passed away Thursday, October 10, 2013 in ManorCare Health Services where he had resided the past 4 months. He was born April 1, 1922, in Columbus Junction, IA to John A. and Nellie Ione Johnston Schlichting, the youngest of 5 children. He was a graduate of Columbus Junction High School and Draughon's Business College in Springfield. John proudly served his country in WWII in the U.S. Army where he participated in five European campaigns including the Normandy invasion where he landed on Omaha Beach, The Battle of the Bulge, and other major battles. He retired in 1979 from the Federal Bureau of Prisons after serving at 10 different institutions. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Federal Employees Retirees Association, VFW, American Legion and Elks Lodge #409. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ramona Schlichting; son, Steven (Cathy) Schlichting, Springfield, MO; daughter, Lora (Curt) Deckard, Tulsa, OK; grandchildren, Erica (Brian) Vogle, Jon (Angelina) Deckard, Casey (Kari) Deckard; great-granddaughters, Lily and Sophia Vogle and Mila Deckard; 2 step-granddaughters and their families; nephew, Justin Schlichting, Conesville, IA and a great niece and nephew in Canada. Per John's request, there will be a private graveside service and burial under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home Assistance League, 1600 S. Hickory, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 or a charity of the donor's choice.