September 2, 1935 – November 15, 2025
Born in Perryville, Mo., to the late Joseph W. “Cy” and Augusta “Gussie” Pouyer Gagnepain, Fr. John Gagnepain, C.M., was influenced by Vincentians throughout his entire life. In addition to being the nephew of a Vincentian priest, the late Fr. Henry Francis Gagnepain, C.M., Fr. Gagnepain was baptized at the Church of the Assumption at St. Mary’s of the Barrens on the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, September 8, 1935, and attended the parish elementary school. Upon graduation, he moved to Cape Girardeau, Mo., to attend St. Vincent’s College High School Seminary. He continued his studies at St. Mary’s of the Barrens Seminary College in Perryville, earning a degree in philosophy before moving to De Andreis Seminary in Lemont, Ill., for graduate studies in theology.
Fr. Gagnepain professed vows as a member of the Congregation of the Mission at St. Mary’s of the Barrens on May 31, 1955. He was ordained a transitional deacon at the Barrens on October 7, 1961, by Bishop Glennon Flavin. His priestly ordination was also at St. Mary’s of the Barrens on June 10, 1962, by Bishop George Gottwald.
In addition to his theological training, Fr. Gagnepain went on to complete further graduate studies in chemistry, physics, and mathematics at DePaul University and St. Louis University. His talents were put to good use, first as a faculty member then as Rector of St. Louis Prep Seminary and at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Lemont, Ill. His former students remember him as a good man who could be strict, when necessary, and who made himself available to students who needed to talk. He could be counted on to provide honest feedback. He taught his students to live a favorite quote of St. Vincent’s, “Let us love God but with the strength of our arms and the sweat of our brow.” He taught this by example as he spent time roofing and rehabbing homes in the Bootheel of Southeast Missouri. As he worked with young people on these mission trips, he shared not only hard work but his passion for his faith, especially his devotion to the Blessed Mother. Despite his reputation as a disciplinarian, he was very jovial, recognizing good in everyone.
After leaving secondary education, Fr. Gagnepain served as Provincial of the Midwest (now Western) Province of the Congregation of the Mission. Upon completion of his terms as Provincial, he served as Spiritual Director for the priests of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in southern Missouri. He was known and respected for his spirit of hospitality as he encouraged the clergy to form an “Intentional Presbyterate,” wherein the clergy worked on developing supportive relationships among the priests of the diocese. He loved his days of driving through rural Missouri and the friendships that developed along the way.
In November of 2000, he was appointed Superior of the house at St. Mary’s of the Barrens. One of his legacies involved major changes to the Barrens. Looking ahead to the needs of an aging community, Fr. Gagnepain spearheaded the demolition of the old Novitiate and Student buildings and the construction of the Apostle of Charity residence for senior confreres. A series of health challenges led to Fr. Gagnepain being permanently assigned to Apostle of Charity, first as a Confrere in Residence, and finally as a Confrere in Care. Staff there remember Fr. Gagnepain as a deeply caring person who loved and prayed daily for his family, friends, and confreres, as well as for staff and members of the Association of the Miraculous Medal. Age and declining health did not dim his love of nature, farming, baking, technology, and curiosity to learn how things work. He welcomed challenges, whether learning to play handbells, practicing new hymns, or learning new card games. Provincial office staff remember him as a kind, joyful man who expressed gratitude for any and all services they provided to him and to the province.
Fr. Gagnepain was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Joe and Gene Favier. He is survived by his sister, Lucy Brenner, sister-in-law, Pat Favier, his fellow Vincentian priests and brothers, as well as the staff at St. Mary’s of the Barrens who cared for him.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Church of the Assumption at St. Mary’s of the Barrens in Perryville, Mo., with a Vigil Service to be held at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Church of the Assumption, with Reverend Joseph S. Williams, C.M., Provincial of the Western Province of the Congregation of the Mission, officiating, followed immediately by burial in the Vincentian Community Cemetery in Perryville.