John Thomas Impey, son of Rose and David Impey, Jr., passed away in his home on May 10, 2026. He was born in Rolla, Missouri in 1952.
John attended schools in St. Louis and high school in Houston, Missouri. He won state honors as a member of the Houston High Debate Squad and H.H.S. track team. His other activities included the H.H.S. football and basketball teams, chess and science clubs, he served as a senior class officer and was cast as the lead in several school plays, including “George Gibbs” in “Our Town.”
John attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and earned his master’s degree in philosophy, and ABD pursuing a PhD in philosophy. He taught university classes in logic as a graduate student.
John’s poetry was published in The Missouri Review, one of the most highly regarded literary magazines in the United States. Mr. Impey’s career included professions as a writer and fund development for the Rocky Mountain Peace Center and Sane/Freeze in Boulder, Colorado. John was an activist for Native Americans and in efforts to shut down the Rocky Flats Plant. He returned to Houston in 2005 and was sole operator of the Houston Bookstore on West Route 17 for the past 10 years.
John is survived by his siblings, Julia Ann Aubrey, (Robert), James Edward Impey, Robert Lee Impey and Joseph Elijah Impey. Preceding him in death are his parents, sister, Rita Impey-Imes; and brothers, William David and David Michael Impey.No services are planned at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
