John Michael French

CWO4 John French (39) passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family at his home, in Kemp, TX, on July 10, 2023. At 17 years old, he joined the Marine Corps from Gun Barrel City, TX, and reported to training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA, in July 2002. He was a decorated veteran serving in the Marine Corps for 20 years.

John French was born to his parents, Mike and Karen French, on May 16, 1984, in Mesquite, TX. He grew up at Cedar Creek Lake with his siblings and lifelong friends, Doug Harney and Charles Wilson. Together, the three were known as “The Three Musketeers.”

At 16 years old, John saw a girl swinging in overalls at church, and he knew he would spend his life with her one day. Her name was Donna Kay Thornton. On April 26, 2003, John married Donna Thornton French, spending 20 precious years with the love of his life on one military adventure after another. These military adventures, and Joe Dirt, would teach him, “No matter what, good things will come my way. Everything is going to happen for me, just so long as I never have no in my heart.” He had a passion for life, and his “life is a garden, dig it” motto left a lasting impression on each person he encountered. From punching a bear to protect his wife and children on a hike, and sinking boats on Cedar Creek Lake, to his impressive karaoke and dance skills, which made his daughters cringe with laughter, he lived each day to the fullest. His beautiful, brilliant daughters, Lauryl and Emma, will carry on his love, wit, ambitions, and passion for life.

From 2003 to 2022, John served his Country in South Carolina, Virginia, Japan, and Arizona. His admirable and honorable Marine Corps career includes, among many others, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4th award), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (9th award), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (3rd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

John loved fiercely; therefore, he will be missed fiercely by those who love him. An immeasurable vacancy is left in the hearts and lives of everyone who knew John. He was a fantastic husband, a loving father, and an honorable leader. He is survived by his wife, Donna French, and his daughters, Lauryl and Emma French. Father and mother, Mike and Karen French; sisters, Lydia Hollifield, Amber Brewer, and Lori Simpson; brother, Matt Kujath; nephews and nieces, Noah French and Naomi Hollifield; John Dell Geneva II and Megan Geneva; Lily Kujath; Great Uncle to JD and Maverick Geneva.

Services honoring the life of John French will be held at Eubank Funeral Home on Saturday, July 22, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held at Eubank Funeral Home on Friday, July 21, at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in John’s name.

John will be laid to rest in Elm Grove Cemetery, off SH 198 in Roddy Community, Mabank, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.eubankcedarcreek.com for the French family.