Ivan Leo Link, Jr was born on September 21, 1933 at Pilot Knob, MO, the son of Ivan Leo Link, Sr and Belva Louise (Lamar) Link.  He passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2024 at the age of 91 years.

He was the sixth child born out of 15 children.  Marie, Charles, Leroy, Mary, Belva, Ivan, Wanita, Alice, Betty, Wanda, Bonnie, Jim, Connie, Marshall and Lewis.

He married Shirley Jones Link on July 12, 1958.  This union was blessed with 3 children: Cole, Lance and Sherial "Sherry".

He was a graduate of Fredericktown High School in 1952 and served in The National Guard and the United States Army between 1952 and 1956. He attended barber school at Molar College in St. Louis and after working at Teaserue Barber Shop and OK Barber Shop, he opened his own, Sportsman Barber Shop on East College Street in Fredericktown from 1962 until 1977.  He then went to work at Flat River Glass in the Batch and Furnace department from September 1977 - until retirement in 1998.  All  the while during Barbering and Flat River Glass jobs, Ivan enjoyed working his farm starting in 1968.  Cattle, hogs, chickens, dogs, fencing, hay baling square and round bales. His last summer at the age of 90 years old, he put up 352 bales by himself.  He felt at home and content on his farm.

He also coached little league baseball for many years for each of his son's teams.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman also raising and selling many breeds of dogs over the years.

Ivan was a hard worker, played the guitar, enjoyed listening to music, and liked to whistle. He also loved to talk and debate and liked to study the Bible.

Ivan is survived by his sons, Cole Link (Netley) of House Springs, MO and Lance Link (Becky) of Lebanon, MO, his daughter, Sherial "Sherry" Valencia (Francisco) of Fredericktown, MO.

9 grandchildren: Antonia Burks (Jason), Rachel Starnes (Matthew), Kyle Link (Ashley), Eli Valencia (Morgan), Ezra Valencia, Jana Kunz (Oliver),  Benjamin Link (Kiera), Aaron Link (Faith) and John Link.

13 great grandkids and 1 one the way.  Maddy, Hudson Ivan, Liberty and Jubilee Link, Asa, Annora, Aleric, Audrey, and Arya Burks, Amelia, Ira and Jeremiah Valencia and Magnus Kunz.

One of Ivan's quotes after receiving a reward at work in 1998...  "there is a far greater reward that I look forward to.  That is, when we stand before Jesus, to hear Him say "Well Done" thy faithful servant.  May God bless and watch over each of us until then. "

Another quote Ivan said many times over the years... "The Lord has blessed me. "

There are no arrangements scheduled at this time.
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