George Bostick

(From Parker Mortuary)

George Thomas Bostick, 82, Joplin, MO, passed away Thursday, February 20, 2014, after a courageous ten year battle with cancer. He was born April 8, 1931 in Sturgis, MS, son of the late Noel and Juanita Bostick. In 1951, he graduated from North High School in Wichita, KS.

At age 19, he owned and operated a Conoco Oil Service Station in Wichita, which made him the youngest Conoco operator in the state of Kansas. After his marriage to Karen in 1955, they relocated to Denver, CO, where he managed Georgia Boys Barbecue. They returned to Wichita in 1963 and opened the Rosin Pot Barbecue. His passion for cooking and eating barbecue continued throughout his life. Many family and friends enjoyed eating his special rosin baked potatoes. The family moved to Joplin in 1969. He became manager of Joplin American Business Systems and later sold Niagara Therapy health products until his retirement.

George was a 50 year member of Masonic Fellowship #345 AF & AM as well as Joplin Kiwanis Club and Joplin Golf Club. He was appointed to and served for three years on the Joplin Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. A devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Joplin for 45 years, he served as an Elder and Deacon, and a member of the Mariner’s Sunday School Class. George was involved in many charitable organizations including Joplin NAMI, where he helped organize and raise funds through the annual golf tournament. He had a “reputation” for his persistence on behalf of Kiwanis apple sales.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, and a sister, Betty Ossmon. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Karen; son, Mark and wife Brenda of Joplin; daughter, Beth Allwood and husband Perry of Lee’s Summit, MO; grandchildren, Tucker Bostick Taylor and Sam Bostick Taylor of Galena, KS; Connor Allwood and Parker Allwood of Lee’s Summit; brother, Lawrence Bostick of Iola, KS and sister, Shirley Santorno and husband Terry of Denver, CO. The family appreciates the loving care provided by Avalon Hospice.

A celebration of George’s life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Pastor David Burgess officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church, 509 S. Pearl, Joplin MO 64801.