John Anthony Britt was born on June 21, 1953, in Elkhart, Kansas to Frankie Sue Britt (Mother) and Johnny Earl Britt (Stepfather). When John was three years old, he moved to Iowa. He grew up the oldest of ten children. He graduated from Clarke Community High School in 1971. In 1974, he attended Southwestern Community College and earned an Associates' Degree.
John was employed by the Osceola Police Department from May, 1976 to June, 1990. During that time, he was also a volunteer member of the Osceola Fire Department. He attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston, and graduated in May, 1977. He was a member of the 47th Basic Academy Class. On June 21, 1990, he was hired by The Pleasant Hill Police Department and proudly was a member of their Department until his retirement on June 30, 2015. He was promoted to Detective in 1998 and Sergeant in 2002. He was a long time member of the Iowa State Police Association, The Iowa Chiefs of Police and Police Officers Association, L.E.I.N. (Law Enforcement Intelligence Network) as well as many other law enforcement organizations. He was proud of his law enforcement connections, his fellow officers, and his career. He lived by the motto that "all a man had was his name and reputation." He treated all people with dignity and respect.
A very important part of his life was when he met and married the love of his life, Donna, a first grade teacher at Pleasant Hill Elementary and Reserve Polk County Deputy Sheriff. They met when she was crossing kids on a street corner and he was looking for a lost child. They were best friends and soul mates. They had a true love story! They were married on June 26, 1994 and had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church on December 6, 2003.
Another important part of his life, was his journey in joining the Catholic Church. He was "on fire" for his love of the Church and after his full communion into the church on April 24, 2011, he took on roles as an extraordinary minister, master of ceremonies, training altar servers, usher/greeter and any other role that needed done! He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Dowling Assembly, a 4th Degree Knight and the first recipient of the "Shining Armor Award" from St. Mary of Nazareth Parish. He also held the role of a Past District Warden #42. He was also a member of the St. Mary's Men's Club. He lived his faith!
John is survived by his loving wife, Donna of Johnston, Iowa; two sons, Anthony Jay (Tony) and Ryan Tyler Britt, both of Osceola, Iowa. Also surviving him are father and stepmother, Hershel and Barbara Perry of Iola, Kansas; aunt, Jewelena James, Dallas, Texas; and uncle, Ralph Howe, Clemons, Iowa. In addition are sister, Connie Parrott, and brothers, Lonnie, Marty, Rick, Randy, and Mark Britt, Willis C. and Mike Gibbens, all of Nebraska, along with sister-in-law, Theresa Britt Sanders of Ottumwa, Iowa. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as friends and members of the law enforcement and fire fighting communities. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Britt, his mother, Sue Gibbens, stepfather, John E. Britt, stepfather, Willis Gibbens, and mother-in-law, Opal Grandfield, along with numerous aunts and uncles.
John entered into eternal life on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Visitation will be held at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church, on Thursday, December 3, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 5:00 and a Vigil Service at 7:00. A Celebration Mass of John's life will be held on Friday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. also at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church. Burial will be at 2:30 pm. in Lorimor Cemetery, Lorimor, Iowa.
Memorial Contributions can be made to his wife, Donna, for several charities of his choice. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”
