September 17, 2013
Date of Service: September 21, 2013
Interment Location: Laurels Section
John W. Depew, 90, of Johnson City, passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at his residence. He was a Carter County native and a son of the late Roy B. Depew Sr. and Mable Buck Depew. He was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters. Mr. Depew’s principal career was in automotive sales. He was employed by local automobile dealerships, where he held positions in both sales and management. He was a member of Heritage Baptist Church. Mr. Depew was a decorated Army Veteran. During World War II, he participated in the Liberation of the Philippines, where he distinguished himself by receiving campaign ribbons with four bronze stars and one bronze arrowhead. Mr. Depew re-entered the Army to serve in the Korean Conflict and at the time of his discharge, held the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant. Survivors include his wife of Sixty Six Years: Mary Blackburn Depew; Son: Gary Lynn Depew and wife, Sue, of Knoxville; Granddaughters: Jennifer McGrath and husband, Dave, Lexington, Kentucky, Leslie Blair and husband, Curtis, Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Peyton Pearman and husband, Paul, Chattanooga, Tn.; great grandchildren: Hollyn Blair, Hudson Blair, Jackson Pearman and Belle Pearman; Several nieces & nephews.
Graveside Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 21, 2013, in Happy Valley Memorial Park with Dr. Reggie Weems officiating. Burial will follow the service. Active Pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Saturday, will be: David Depew, Basil Blackburn, Les Wilson, Jack Tester, Brownie Sheffield and Jerre Whitson. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. To those who prefer memorials may be made in memory of Mr. Depew to the Heritage Baptist Church Building Fund. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Friday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel, 212 N. Main Street, Elizabethton, is in charge. 423 543-3839
