John Chetwood Mahler

J.C. is survived by his three children, Susan Travison, Jill Meyer and Jack Mahler; his grandchildren, Forrest and Jordan Travison, David and Sarah Meyer, Andrew Meyer, and Allie and Will Mahler; father–in-law of Russell Travison, Bruce Meyer and Marla Mahler; and uncle to Julia Mahler and Terry Wieczorek.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Keels Mahler; brother, Fred Mahler; and sister, Mike Hudert.

Fondly known as JC, Chet, Chickwood, and John, among other nicknames, he grew up in Raleigh during the Great Depression, an experience that produced strong character and permanent sense of frugality. Notwithstanding occasional bouts of colorful language, he was a true gentleman.

JC worked his way through college, initially with a paper route on the way to Wake Forest College before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which he paid for by buying cars in Philadelphia and reselling them in North Carolina.

After graduation, he volunteered to join the Army Air Core, where he served in World War II as a navigator on a B-24, flying 50 missions in North Africa, Italy and Germany. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters for his courageous service.

Shortly after the war ended, he met his lifelong love, Sarah Keels Mahler, who he was married to for 54 years. He was a loving father to his three children, their spouses and his six grandchildren.

His career spanned almost 6 decades in the building and construction industry before he retired from the W.R. Bonsal Company. One of the founding members of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, he helped build the original red church from former Army barracks and finish classrooms in the new Sanctuary.

JC had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a great story teller, letter writer and creator of witticisms. He built the home he and his family lived in for over 50 years. He could fix anything, but always on his own time schedule.

He was adored by family and friends and nearly everyone who crossed his path. A kind man who was always willing to help, he will be sorely missed by all.

The family will receive friends on Saturday afternoon from 5-7 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home – St. Mary’s Street Chapel. A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday afternoon, October 16, 2011 at 2 PM at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church by the Rev. Samuel Gregory Jones. Burial will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to St. Michael’s Episcopal Church – 1520 Canterbury Road – Raleigh, NC 27608 or the American Cancer Society - 8300 Health Park # 10 - Raleigh, NC 27615-4731.

Arrangements with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home – 300 St. Mary’s Street – Raleigh, NC 27605.