John F. Commerford

John Francis Commerford, M.D., born in Crystal City, Missouri to Dr. James J. and Catherine Emily (Bond) Commerford, died February 4, 2012. Even as a child he knew he would be a medical doctor like his father and practiced by prescribing and delivering "red hot" candies to the amused neighbors. He took his Bachelor's degree at the University of Notre Dame where he sang bass-baritone in the Glee Club and played trombone in the marching band. Graduating from Notre Dame in 1949, he attended medical school at Washington University. He met our mother, Marion, in choir at St. Mary Magdalene Church in south St. Louis. They married at that church in 1953. During the 1950's, he served as a Medical Officer in the Public Health Service caring for the Choctaw Tribe in Philadelphia, Mississippi and the Akimel O'odham of the Gila Tribes in Sacaton, Arizona. When Marion delivered their first child, they left Arizona for St. Charles where he partnered with Dr. Orville Towers and Dr. Paul Rother in their medical practice. He practiced with Boonslick Medical Group until he retired in 1988. He had hospital privileges at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Charles where he, at various times, served as Chief of Family Practice and Chief of Staff. A man of sterling intellect, unfailing wit, kindness, and generosity, he never lost his enthusiasm for Notre Dame or for singing. He never surrendered his fervent Catholic belief in social justice and equality for all people. Best of all, he was the very model of good humor and grace to our mother. He leaves behind Marion, their daughters, Mary (Stephen) and Kay (Sue), their son, John (Jalana), grandchildren Kelly and Andrew, brothers James and George, and a host of friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Valle and sister Kay. Though his great heart is stilled and his inimitable baritone silenced, his way of being gentle with everyone, his insistence on protecting the downtrodden - and the sound of that wonderful voice of his - will live forever in the hearts of those of us lucky enough to have loved him. Memorials may be made to SSM Hospice.