SHREVEPORT, LA - A mass of Christian Burial for John Robert Scalf will be held on Friday, August 22, 2008, at 12:00 noon at the Cathedral of St. John Berchmans, officiated by Fr. Peter Mangum. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 21^st, at Osborn Funeral Home.Mr. Scalf died Sunday morning, August 17, 2008. He was a resident of Shreveport for 51 years. Mr. Scalf was born September 8, 1909, in Norma, North Dakota to John Breckinridge Scalf and Emma Hanson Scalf, the first of their five children. His parents, siblings and wife, Eva, predeceased him. Mr. Scalf’s career with the Soil Conservation Service brought him and his wife South in the late 1930’s. They lived in Ruston for 15 years, where all of their daughters were born. His devotion to and care of his wife, Eva, during her years of incapacity earned him the admiration of all. He used to delight in bringing his church friends and neighbors gifts of tomatoes, turnip and collard greens from his garden. He was a favorite with generations of neighbor kids in the 600 block of Dalzell, with his gentle, affirming nature, and he truly exemplified the proverb that a cheerful heart is good medicine.He earned his B.S. in Agriculture at N.D. Agriculture College (what is now N. D. State Univ.) A Golden Gloves boxing champion from 1929 - 1932, he avidly followed almost every sport. He knew the value of play, showing that he could hold his own at badminton and ping-pong. In his later years, he had a passion for horseshoe pitching.Mr. Scalf became a Catholic after his marriage. He belonged to the Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, Council 1108, and St. Vincent De Paul Society. He was an usher and a daily mass attendant for many years.He is survived by his six children and their spouses, John  Robert Scalf, Jr. and Angela Scalf, of Pasadena, CA, Ann Scalf of San Francisco, CA, Cathy and Ed Reyes, of Austin, TX, Helen and Jim Cousins, of Shreveport, Mary and Ray Fairbairn, Snohomish, WA and Elizabeth Scalf, of Shreveport; grandchildren, Jennifer Vargo (Steve), Johnny Scalf, Chris Veillon (Jennifer), Tim Veillon, Tara John (Pete), Teddy Fairbairn (Lauren), Alice Fairbairn, Mark Reyes (Sandra) and Matthew Reyes; step-grandchildren, Jim Cousins, Jr. and Genevieve
Delk; great grandchildren, Carter Veillon, Cole Veillon, Spencer Vargo, Peyton Vargo and Scarlett Fairbairn. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Alan Borne and his staff, the nurses and staff of 6 Med Tower of Christus Schumpert and Julie Anne-Marie Morgan for their compassionate care.OSBORNFUNERALHOME.NET318-865-8426