John Frank Diekan

John Frank Diekan, USAF Veteran, Devoted Husband, Father and Grandfather died on Thursday, July 28 at Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, MD from complications following a severe stroke. He was 77.

Born in Detroit, MI on February 20, 1939 to John Frank Diekan and Helen (Stanna) Diekan, John graduated from Cass Technical High School in January, 1957. Later that year, John entered General Motors Cooperative Engineering Program at General Motors Institute in Flint, MI, where he was a member of Delta Chi Rho Fraternity. On Sept. 18, 1959, John was selected for appointment as an aviation cadet by the United States Air Force Air Training Command and after enlisting in the Regular Air Force, he was assigned to Pre-Flight Training School at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. The following year, he was reassigned as a Cartographer to the 2nd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron at Barksdale AFB in LA. Released from active duty in 1962, John was honorably discharged in 1965.

Following his military service, John relocated to Philadelphia, PA, where he worked as a Sales Manager at Lithographic Publications, Inc. In 1969, he moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where he founded Systems Publications, Inc., and worked until retiring in 1994. He was a proud member of American Legion Post 0316 in Greenbelt, MD.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Peggy Chrislip-Diekan, his children Cindy Houle (Warrenton, VA); Theresa Johnson (Warrenton, VA); Laura Ann Diekan (Chantilly, VA); and John F. Diekan III (Townsend, MA), grandchildren Desiree Cummings, (Palm Desert, CA), Chaz Marshall (Warrenton, VA); and Tia, Lucas, Trey, and Maverick Diekan. He is also survived by his brother Richard Diekan (Desert Hot Springs, CA) and sister Susan Clasen (Orange, CA).

Funeral service and interment at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans. For additional information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.josephgawlers.com.