John E McGill Sr

ALBION — John Earl McGill Sr., loving husband and wonderful father, brother and grandfather, passed away on Wednesday April 11, 2018, at the age of 80 into the waiting arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John was born on December 30, 1937, in Turrell, Arkansas, to the late Jim and Alice (Ludwick) McGill. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served honorably on the USS John Hancock for four years. On May 9, 1957, he married Clara Spear in Waldron, Arkansas. John and Clara happily celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2017.

Formerly of New Haven, he worked at International Harvester in Fort Wayne for 23 years. John was a 50-year Mason at the Scottish Rite in Fort Wayne. He had a passion for restoring old homes and gardening, and enjoyed making his yard look perfect and tinkering in his shop. John was often working on a project for a friend or neighbor. He had a great sense of humor and a kind and compassionate spirit.

Survivors include two daughters, Brenda (Tom) Williams of Porter, Texas, and Barb (Wayne) Ausderau of Greenville, Alabama; two sons, John (Cindy) McGill Jr. of Albion and Denny (Lisa) McGill of Pensacola, Florida; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Also surviving are two sisters, Annice (Harold) Jones of Heafer, Arkansas, and Peggy (James) Decanter, also of Heafer, Arkansas.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, J.T., Roy and Billy Joe.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, April 16, 2018, at Harper Funeral Homes, Albion Chapel, 771 Trail Ridge Road, Albion, with visitation one hour prior to service. Visitation also will be from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 2018, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be directed to the Burr Oak Baptist Church in Albion, or the Building Fund at Lincolnway Church of Christ in Columbia City.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John E McGill Sr, please visit our floral store.