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Colonel John Burt Urmston, United States Marine Corps Reserve Retired, son-in-law of the late Carl and Ethlel Rogers of Pawhuska, OK, passed away July 11 at the age of 66.
He was born June 8, 1946, in Chester, PA, the son of the late Robert M. Urmston and Avanel Eubanks Urmston, presently of Mount Airy, NC. He graduated from Muskogee High School, Muskogee, OK. He attended and graduated from Northeastern State College in Tahlequah, OK, on a full debate scholarship. It was at Northeastern State College that he met his wife of 46 years, Carol Jean Rogers Urmston of Pawhuska, OK.
After graduating from college, John became a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and served as Company Commander in the Vietnam War. After almost 30 years of active and reserve duty, John retired as Colonel with a distinguished career. John's exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam resulted in the Parkinson's disease that ultimately took his life. He never regretted his service to his country. John was dedicated to the United States Marine Corps to his last day.
John chose to pursue a business career after his active duty service ended. He started in the Consumer Products Industry in Sales and Marketing. In 1982, he entered the fitness industry by joining Nautilus Sports Medical Industries, becoming Chief Operating Officer and President of the company.
Upon leaving Nautilus, John joined Sports and Fitness Insurance Corporation and continued to work as a consultant with other fitness equipment companies. He was chairman of the Fitness Products Council for the fitness industry, installing the gym at the White House in 1993, then in 2002 putting fitness equipment on the White House lawn under the George W. Bush Administration for the President's Fitness Initiative. He was a working member of the White House Sports and Fitness Council. John was the President of the United States Military Sports Association for seven years supporting Military Athletes deployed around the world.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Jean Rogers Urmston of Mount Airy, NC; a daughter, Jennifer Urmston Lowe of Cornelius, NC; a son and daughter-in-law, John David and Alecia Hicks Urmston of Shelby, NC; a daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Todd and Lisa Perry of Mount Airy, NC; and his mother, Avanel Eubanks Urmston of Mount Airy, NC. John's five grandchildren are Grant Perry (12 years), Reid Perry (9 years), Max Perry (7 years), Sydney Urmston (9 years) and John Benjamin "Ben" Lowe (6 years). John is best known as a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He was always a tremendous source of strength, wisdom, and compassion for his family and friends. His loyalty and humor will be missed greatly. The family would like to thank Richard Mills and Melissa Cox for their loving care and sincere friendship during John's illness. A memorial service was held July 14 at 3:00 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Mount Airy, NC, where John was a member. A visitation with the family was held July 14 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Ladies' Parlor at Central United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 1909 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson NC 27017. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Urmston family. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
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