Rouse, Sgt. Major John A.

Sgt. Major John A. Rouse (U.S. Army ret.), 84, died Aug. 11, 2007, in 
Columbia. Mr. Rouse was the owner and operator of Rouse’s Discount 
Stores, Inc. in Columbia for 43 years. He remained active in the business 
until his death. Retired from the Army after 20 years, Sgt. Major Rouse 
served in both World War II and the Korean War. He did two tours in 
Korea and was the youngest sergeant major in the army infantry at the 
time of his promotion. He was assigned to army intelligence. He was a 
member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars and 
was Mason and a Shriner. Survivors include two children, Bruce Rouse 
of St. Louis and Mary (Gus) Vornas of Arizona; one grandson, John 
Varnos; and longtime friend Nancy Kurtz of Columbia. Mr. Rouse was 
born June 6, 1923 at Charlotte, NC. At his request, Mr. Rouse was 
cremated and there was no visitation or funeral. Memorials may be made 
to Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children or Southern Illinois Hospice, 
Belleville. Rouse’s Discount Store will continue operating as usual under 
the ownership and management of Bruce Rouse. Hours have been changed 
to Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.