Johnny Paul Marceau

Johnny and Colleen were married for 54 years. They met in 1964 in San Antonio, where they both grew up, and were married in 1969.

Johnny was born to Paul John Marceau and Ruth Atchley Marceau in 1946. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio in 1963 where he took part in ROTC.

One of Johnny’s greatest loves was flying. He served his country for 30 years in the 149th Fighter Wing of the Texas Air National Guard, where he flew F4’s and F16’s and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Known by the other pilots as “Frenchy”, his military decorations and awards include Air Force Outstanding Unit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Services Reserve Medal, Basic Military Training Honor Graduate, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, Adjutant General Individual Award and Texas Faithful Service with 2nd Bronze Cactus Leaf.

Johnny lived a life of service to others. While serving in the National Guard, Johnny (“Frenchy”) also had an esteemed career as an Air Traffic Controller. Over the years, he was stationed at Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, New Orleans Lakefront Airport, William P. Hobby Airport, and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Johnny had the honor of being one of the last Controllers to shepherd in the final flights at Mueller Airport, and he guided the first flights in and out of Austin-Bergstrom. Over his 30-year tenure, he helped millions of passengers get to their destinations safely.

Johnny also had a passion for philanthropy. In his leisure time and during his retirement, Johnny gave his time to many worthy causes, including Caritas of Austin, The Austin Steam Train Association, The Settlement Home for Children, and the Travis County Youth Fair. He was an animal lover and an avid camper.

Later in life, Johnny’s world took flight in a new direction when he became a Godfather to Lauren and Brayden Bergeron. Brought together by happenstance and a cute little dog named “Raggie”, the Marceaus and the Bergerons started as neighbors and quickly became family. Known lovingly as “Uncle Johnny”, he was a trusted playmate, friend, and grandfather figure to Lauren and Brayden for 12 years. From a scraped knee to a broken toy, there was nothing that Uncle Johnny couldn’t fix.

Colleen and the Bergeron family (Carolyn, Cheri, Lauren, and Brayden) celebrate Johnny’s life and take comfort knowing that he is soaring among the eagles in heaven.

A memorial service for Johnny will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Austin, 8001 Mesa Dr., Austin, TX 78731.

Watch Johnny Marceau's Military Honors Funeral Service: https://youtu.be/PmIoOEACdyQ