John Lewis McElhatton

John was preceded in death by his parents, James Joseph and Carrie McElhatton; sister, Patricia "Patty" McElhatton; and his beloved dog, Luka.

He is survived by his daughter, Shannon McElhatton Coil; sons, John Lewis McElhatton Jr.(Sara) and Christopher Allen McElhatton (Audra); siblings, Marie Freeman, Jean Smathers, and James "Jimmy" McElhatton (Sally); grandchildren, Evan, Sage, and James; niece, Trina Knadler Mahmood (Haider); great-niece, Malia Mahmood, and great-nephew, Micah Mahmood; nephews, Andrew Knadler, Carl O'Brien, Brian O'Brien, Joey McElhatton, and Michael McElhatton.

John honorably served in the United States Navy for 10 years and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He received several medals and decorations which included a sharpshooter medal. John loved wearing his Vietnam Veteran hat out in public due to all the admiration and respect he received.

After John retired from the Navy, he had several jobs including managing several large restaurants, pursuing a career in painting as a supervisor, and was witty enough to survive driving a public city bus for Columbus, Ohio for a number of years.

John enjoyed fishing, cooking (smoking ribs, grilling, and making chili), and religiously watching the Price is Right, especially the Bob Barker era in which his days were scheduled around the show. He was quick witted and snarky, most of the time not politically correct, with an all-around great sense of humor. John was a huge animal lover, especially to his soulmate of 10 years, Luka, who came with fur and four legs.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 11:45 am at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.