John A Mesplie, Jr

John Mesplie Jr.( John John) , 68, a long time resident of White Swan, Washington, met his creator on Thursday February 18, 2016, in Yakima, Washington. John was born July 29, 1947 in Harrah, Washington to John Mesplie and Dora Brisbois. John and his siblings, Frank, Cynthia, Louie and Paul were raised in Celilo Falls, OR in the younger years. They shared numerous memories of their childhood experiences in Celilo fishing, catching eels and swimming. John attended school at Harrah Elementary and graduated from White Swan High School in 1967. He participated and lettered in many sports such as football, basketball, track and field. He mostly excelled in track and field and competed in the state tournament in javelin. Upon graduation he was drafted in to the army and served in Vietnam , in Co A 1st Bn 12th Air Cav from November 1967 and honorably discharged in 1973. He received the army commendation medal for meritorious service in connection with military operations against hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. He also received 3 Purple Hearts for wounds received in connection with military operations against hostile forces. The combat infantryman badge was awarded to John for performing duties under fire while serving in assigned infantry in the Republic of Vietnam. He was awarded an expert marksman rating for performing superior abilities and proficiency with the M14 Rifle. John met and married Lexie Mesplie , his wife of 47 years on January 29, 1969. They raised their children, Stacie, Joseph ( JoJo) and John III ( John John) and made their permanent residence in Toppenish. He was employed with Mt. Adams Furniture and Klickitat Lumber Mill prior to his career with the Bureau of Indian Affairs of 44 years as a Timber Sale Officer and Wild Land Firefighter. John enjoyed participating in the All Indian Basketball and Softball Tournaments but his main calling led him to rodeo. He participated numerous years with Western States Indian Rodeo Association in Steer Wrestling and competed at the Indian Nation Finals Rodeo in 1974 and 1984. John was a member of the Yakama Warriors Assocation, DAV and Western States Indian Rodeo Assocation. John made many friends over his lifetime because of his friendly smile and humorous personality. He loved people and could strike a conversation with any he crossed paths with. He enjoyed camping trips to Potato Hill, fishing and hunting. John is survived by his wife, Lexie Mesplie of Toppenish; his children, daughter, Stacie Mesplie, son, JoJo (Domina)Mesplie, and John John Mesplie, all of Toppenish, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. brother, Frank ( Karen) Mesplie, of Wapato and his sister Cynthia Ann Mesplie, of White Swan, sister in law, Marie (BJ) Howerton, of Kalama, Washington and brother in laws, Joe and Bob Bergeron of Yakima. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, August and Emma Mesplie, Ray and Georgia Brisbois (Granny and Grandpa Chew ) of White Swan, his father, John Mesplie Sr and mother, Dora Mae Brisbois, brothers, Marvin Ray (Louie) and Paul Guyette Mesplie. Viewing will be held on Monday February 22 at 3:00PM at Toppenish Community Center with traditional services to follow. Funeral services will be at 8AM Tuesday at the Toppenish Community Center with interment to follow at the Reservation Community Memorial Park west of Wapato. Friends can send condolences at www.toppenishfunerals.com John will be remembered for his loving smile and laughter. Colonial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John A Mesplie, Jr

July 29, 1947 - February 18, 2016

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John A Mesplie, Jr

July 29, 1947 - February 18, 2016

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