JOHN P. HEISSERER (1956-2021)

The firm regrets to announce the untimely passing of John P. Heisserer on August 5th, 2021.  John joined this firm in 1983 and shall always remain a valued member. John was not just a partner, he was family.  He leaves behind a legacy of fairness, kindness and being the calm in the storm that will remain with all of us at the firm and those who knew him well. As one of the best domestic relations attorneys in the area, he is dearly missed by many – especially those who often worked with him.  John’s wisdom, sense of humor and kindness toward all he encountered is dearly missed (and his love of everything chocolate and Drago’s smoked oysters from New Orleans!) and will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

With the exception of the time he served as Circuit Judge for the 32nd Judicial Circuit, John had an active trial practice for 40 years, emphasizing on the practices of domestic relations, personal injury and mediations. He played a vital role in the implementation of the mediation processes in the 32nd Judicial Circuit. John provided extensive leadership and service to his profession. He served the 32nd Judicial Bar Association as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President; he sat on the Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee (Family Court Committee, Jefferson City), and was a board member of the Association of Missouri Mediators Inc.

John’s community involvement was also extensive. He served as treasurer of the Cape County Democratic Central Committee, and a member of the Missouri State Democratic Committee. John has provided service and leadership as a past board member of the Family Resource Center, Gibson Recovery Center, Scott County SB40 Board, and as past president and board member of Kenny Roger’s Children’s Center in Sikeston, Missouri. He also served as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Cape Girardeau.

John’s faith has likewise formed a fundamental cornerstone of his character. He was an active member of his parish, St. Mary’s Cathedral. He is a member of Old St. Vincent’s Catholic Church and served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. John was a member and past president of the Church’s parish council. He also served as a member of the school boards of St. Mary’s Cathedral School and Notre Dame Regional High School. 

John was much more than an excellent lawyer; he was also dedicated to his family: his wife, Jerrie; their children, Jed; Tess, & Webb; Merritt & Gabe; Erin & Brandon; and Sam.  John’s legacy will survive in his five grandchildren: Lucy, Palmer, Reid, Miller and Vida; and all the grandchildren yet to be born!

John is deeply missed!