John W. Small

John W. Small, age 90, of Richardson, Texas, died May 16, 2014, with his family by his side. He was born to the late Herman and Emma Small on September 8, 1923 in Dallas, Texas and was preceded in death by his brother Charles Small, son Mark J. Small, and great grandson Blake Townsend. John is survived by his wife Lillian M. small of 69 years, daughters Cheri s. Gruber, of Richardson, Texas, Paula J. McBride of Plano, Texas, Darlene s. Taylor-Thompson, MD. of Garland, Texas, Diane L. Murphy of Crandall, Texas; sons Charles C. Small of Caddo Mills, Texas and John D. Small of Morocco, Africa. He was blessed with 27 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren that he would rock and sing to when cranky. John also has two surviving sisters, Francis Johnston of Ft. Worth, Texas, Wilene Shepherd of Dallas, Texas; and several nieces and nephews.

John Married Lillian Savoie of Westbrook, Maine on November 8, 1944 during World War II. He served as the Flight Engineer on a C-54 Airborne Transport in the 382nd 12th Foreign Squadron for the Army Air Corps and flew the wounded back for care. He was in Europe, Okinawa, and India flying the “Hump” for most of the war. He always considered himself one of the “lucky ones” because he made it back when a lot of his friends did not.

After the war ended and an honorable discharge from the service, John and Lillian settled in Massachusetts. He started his own construction company and made some great memories for his children. The death of his father moved the entire family to Dallas, Texas in 1957 where John helped in caring for his newly widowed mother until her death.

John and Lillian moved to Richardson, Texas in 1972 to provide a better school system and education for the last two young sons at home, Charlie and Jon-Jon. John and Lillian became active Charter Members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church supporting all aspects of the young and growing church’s needs.

As you look around the Dallas Skyline you will see many skyscrapers, most of them are building built by General Project Manager John W. Small for Henry C. Beck and then Austin Commercial. His first large project was One Main Place, the Dallas World Trade Center, and too many to name since. He was honored with a ceremony naming him a “Legend in Construction History.” He brought his projects in on time and on budget. He cared for the people who worked for him and talked about them as though they were a part of our family. At the tender age of 70 he was asked to go to India as a consultant on a project, he went; but was very happy to come home to the good old USA. In fact, he kissed the ground when he got off the plane!

John W. Small’s Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd, 2014 in the chapel of Sparkman Funeral Home on Greenville Avenue located in Richardson. Reception to follow.

Arrangements under the direction of Sparkman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Richardson, TX.