John Thomas Like

Formerly of Rockford, IL, and O’Kean, AK, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Frankie Marie Like; his parents Joe Bill and Cina (Getson) Like; his brother Joseph, Jr.; and sisters Verna (Edward) Clement, Lavaughn (Robert) Moore, Laveta (Jim) Bell and Bonnie (Todd) Gates; and his son, Adrian Dale Like.

He is survived by his sister, Ann (EW “Red”) Rooker; daughters Vickie (Pat) Bowman and Stacy Like Venable (special friend Chuck Miller), daughter-in-law Kathy Like; and son Joseph (Joe Wright) Like. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Matt (Lori) Like, Trisha (Tom) Gilbert, Adam (Heather) Like, Brent (Jill Shindler) Bowman, Tracy Bowman, Brooke Taylor Like, Brianna Venable, and Rachel Venable; and 5 great-grandchildren: Seth and Caleb Like; Aurek and Coral Like; and Lilly Bowman.

John served in the Navy as an Electrician Second Mate, during WWII on board the U.S.S. LeJeune and the U.S.S. Kent County. He participated in the liberation of the Philippines and in the evacuation of China. He received the WWII Victory, China Service, and Good Conduct Medals. After the war, he married, Frankie, and started a family on his farm in O’Kean, AK. He later moved to Rockford, IL, where he worked as an electrician and was the founder of Like Electric. He was an active member of IBEW Local 364 Rockford. John was an avid fisherman and gardener. He enjoyed camping, dancing, and playing cribbage. He also made some very fine wine. Internment will be in the Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould, AK. A memorial service will precede the burial.