John Vila III

MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- John E. Vila III, 76, passed away Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, at his home in Marble Hill, holding his wife's hand, and with his devoted basset hound, Stinky, laying at his side.

He was born May 13, 1944, in St. Louis, son of John E. and Louise Cartwright Vila Jr. He was united in marriage to Teri Trostel on June 3, 1995.

John served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy on the USS Hornet during the Vietnam conflict and retired as a St Louis City police officer after 23-plus years of service.

He loved his wife, life in the country, his pets, birdwatching and any TV series filmed before 1973. John was known for his skills at the grill and in the kitchen.

Survivors include his wife, Teri Vila; children, Karen Vila Shannon; Jennifer Vila and John Vila, both of Reno, Nevada; and Victoria Vila of St. Peters, Missouri; two brothers, William "Tom" Vila and Stephen (Brenda) Vila, both of St. Louis; one sister Barb (David) Wissenborn of St. Louis; and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John E. and Louise Vila Jr.; and one sister, Rose Marie, and her husband, Jerry Bier.

A family-only memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Backstoppers of St Louis, 10411 Clayton Road #203, St. Louis, MO 63131.

Liley Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements.