John Bertrand Bazzrea, of 2402 Dressler Drive, Covington, Virginia, died Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

He was born January 5, 1931 in Covington, Virginia, to the late Cleveland Alexandria Bazzrea and Antha Mae Goff Bazzrea.

He was a Covington High School graduate and served as Petty Officer in the United States Navy aboard the U.S.S. Severn from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean War.

He was owner and member of Moss Run Hunt Club, a member of Clifton Forge Baptist Church, and also the Curtis A. Smith Post Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

John and Rovena Bazzrea had three children, James "Jimmy" Bazzrea, now deceased, John "Johnny" Bazzrea and wife, Dianna of Covington, and Bruce Bazzrea and wife, Katie of Clifton Forge; a daughter-in-law, Faye Oyler Bazzrea of Covington; three granddaughters, Paige Bazzrea, Kelly Ann Bazzrea, and Angel Bazzrea; a number of nieces and nephews; and special friend, Rae Lewis of Covington.

In addition to his parents and son, John was preceded in death by wife, Rovena Saville Bazzrea and a brother, Clarence Bazzrea.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Reverend William M. "Bill" Hartsfield. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Covington. Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by members of the Curtis A. Smith Post 1033 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Pallbearers will be Howard "Boo" Thompson, Sam Cole, Charlie Barton, Al Mildenberger, John Davis, Jacob Givens, James Davis, and Timmy Lewis. Honorary pallbearers will be Calvin Fridley, J. D. Richmond, Shane Plott, Ronnie Hosey, Rudy Bazzrea, and Bobby Davis. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.