U.S. Veteran John William Bourne, Jr., 82 years old, died July 1, 2008 at Veterans Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.
Pops was born November 5, 1925 in White Fish Point, MI. He spent most of his life in Michigan as a “Millwright” for the auto industry. He also drove a semi tractor trailer prior to entry into the U.S. Army. Pops was an avid fisherman and fished both gill and trap nets in the Great Lakes.
Pops quit school in the 8th grade to join the military where he was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Campaign Central Europe, American Campaign Medal, EAME Ribbon, and Victory Medal for his service as an anti-tanker machine gunner. He was a life-time member of Guthrie VFW #4578, member of the Disabled American Veterans, and member of the Chippewa Indians, being on the Durand Roll in Michigan.
He loved to fish, hunt, boat, and most outdoor activities, including camping on the north shore of Lake Superior with his wife and children.
Pops is preceded in death by his wife, Rosa Ella Nichols Bourne in 1989. They would have been married 62 years this week.
He is survived by his two sons, Mr. and Mrs. Lynn L. Bourne of Guthrie, OK and Mr. and Mrs. David R. Bourne of Petoskey, MI; three daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Barbara) Bowden of Hillman, MI, Ms. Ruth Ensley of Detroit, MI, and Ms. Beverly Ann Bourne of Jackson, MI; four siblings; sixteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at Smith Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Gene Owen of Companion Hospice officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Bohannon Cemetery, Stuart, OK. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
