Floyd "Tode" Wayne John, 102, died Oct. 8, 2025 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House, West Burlington. He was a man of unwavering honor, pride, and dignity.
Born on Nov. 28, 1922, in Centerville, to William and Claudine Tracey John, Tode lived a life defined by service, kindness, and deep connection to family and community.
Tode was one of nine siblings: Wanda (Frederick) Richter, William "Bill"/"Bus" (Elaine) John, Harold John, Claude "Babe" (Edna) John, Louise “Sis” (Jack) Jones, Paul (Kay) John, Leonard John, and Donald (Una) John.
On Jan. 17, 1948, Tode married Dorothy Cumpton Davis. Together they built a blended family filled with love, laughter, and hardship—weathering life’s storms with grace and gratitude. Their children include Richard (Marjorie) Davis, Gary (Jacquita) Davis, Janice (Charles) Davis Friedel, Carol Anne John, and Daryl John.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Tode served from December 1942 to November 1945 in both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleets during World War II. His commitment to his country was matched only by his devotion to those around him. Known for treating everyone with respect, love and friendship, Tode never met a stranger. His sharp wit, incredible memory, and independent spirit remained intact as he continued to live on his own and drive, right up until two short weeks ago when he entered the hospital.
Tode was a jack of all trades and interests and his years on this earth provided some amazing stories. From chopping & hauling ice from the Mississippi River as a young boy, Bartending at “The Casino” for the Diewold’s in the 1940’s, Golden Glove Boxing Champion at 126 lbs, racecar driver, motorcycle enthusiast, butcher, line worker at JI Case / UAW 807 and eventually settling in at Champion (Federal Mogul), retiring Nov. 30, 1984 after 30 years of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, his wife, his children and three grandchildren, Dicky Davis of Galesburg, Ill., Timothy Davis of Burlington, and Pam Davis of Burlington.
Tode is survived by: His lady companion, Beverly Russell-Fisher of Burlington; his daughter-in-law, Jacquita Davis of Henderson, N.V. and a legacy of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all who carry forward his spirit; Gina Friedel Erickson of Cedar Rapids; Cole (Rachel Kramer-Diewold) Erickson and daughter Myla of Burlington; Luke (Brandy) Erickson and children Ryker & Layla of Burlington; Charles "Mick" (Teresa) Friedel of Mediapolis; Justin (Hannah) Friedel of Kansas City, Mo.; Matt Friedel of Mediapolis; DeDe Davis-Erickson of Temple, Texas; Heidi (Chris) Erickson Lewis and children Elliott & Liesel of Scranton, Pa.; Kari Erickson of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; Charisse (Tony) Davis Scott of Henderson, N.V.; Shelby Scott of Boise, Idaho; Jordan (Lacey) Scott and son Liam of Las Vegas, N.V.; Penny Lopez of Galesburg, Ill., and Terry Davis of Burlington.
He is also survived by many devoted and cherished nieces & nephews, each of whom holds an incredibly special place in his heart. If you truly knew him, you would know his family was everything to him. Annual family reunions, trips to Centerville, family vacations to Long Boat Key, Florida, “butt dialing” his nieces and nephews from his smartphone and joking with each and every one of them were highlights of his life.
Friends may call Monday, October 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Lunning Chapel. The family will not be present.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, Tuesday, October 14 at the Lunning Chapel.
The funeral service for Floyd “Tode” W. John will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 14th, 2025, at the Lunning Chapel with Rev. David Mixon officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice, West Burlington.
A luncheon will be served immediately following the interment at The Fraternal order of Eagles, 2727 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington.
The service will be live streamed and recorded