John Leroy “JB” Bloomer was called home to Heaven on Dec. 3, 2012. He was born to Henry and Caroline Bloomer on April 6, 1936, in Florence, Kan. He was raised in Peabody, Kan., until he joined the Army in January 1955, returning home in December 1956.

He married Cora (Clithero) Bloomer on Dec. 19, 1958. The same year he started J.B.’s Repair as the owner/operator. In 1980, he started at the Farmer’s Grain Coop as a mechanic and millwright until his retirement in April 2001.

From then on he could usually be found “out back” either tearing something down or building something up with greasy hands and a big smile.

He was a member and elder of the Peabody Christian Church for over 60 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don Bloomer and Leonard Bloomer; and a sister, Barbara Evans.

He is survived by his wife, Cora; daughters Faunetta Bloomer (Vici), Carnella Anderson (Bob), and JoLonna Barnes (Erik); grandchildren Heath Andres (Brittany), Jake Andres, Paige Barnes, Rayna Barnes, Kyle Anderson, Matt Anderson, and Ryan Anderson.

A memorial has been established with the Peabody Christian Church and Harden Hospice of Kansas in Newton. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Baker Funeral Home, Peabody. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 7, at the Peabody Christian Church at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Peabody.