Used to know him from Yellowstone national park. in summer 2006.  He trained me as a house person. met Claire too. the second wife .she was a sweetheart as well . Both committed to the lord no doubt ! I fell away from the lord at the time but have recommitted my life to Jesus. and to serving him! I’m sad to see this ! god bless the family! 
Ben bower
Kansas City Missouri 

John was a good friend and a loyal and accomplished self made manager. He was appreciated by his company his customers and his associates over his long career with the Columbia Lumber Organization..  His life was a tribute to his family, faith and friends.


Dear Claire and Family, 
I'm at a loss for words about your incredible and amazing John. I am so thankful to have the blessing of knowing him and his care of so many others throughout his life. 
Sending you love, 
Emil Mitchell

I have very fond memories of John.  My parents were Martha Frick Trotti and Marion Trotti and family was always very important to them as I was growing up.  I was also able to attend a number of Frick reunions with them in my adult years.   After being unable to attend due to other commitments for a number of years I was able to resume going in 2015 until the pandemic stopped it, hopefully temporarily.    The first time that I talked with John, I was not surprised that he remembered my parents.  But I was very surprised that he knew about me – even knew where I worked!  I looked forward to talking with him when I returned for later reunions – conversations with him were a highlight!!  I also enjoyed his reminiscences about family as he greeted everyone before the blessing.  I am sorry John is gone now, but am certain of his greeting from the Lord when he arrived in Heaven – “Well done, good and faithful servant”.  

What can I say about a winsome man who was best brother to my husband?  Alvin always reveled in the fact that he admired Johnny so much as a growing child that he was called "Shadow" as he followed closely on Johnny's heels.  Alvin never forgot that nickname, and after his death I found that "Shadow" was his secret word to his electronic accounts.

I remember as a young teenager I was invited to a banquet where Alvin and Johnny sang a duet of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart."  I felt sure that these words were directed toward Mickey and me!  After this initial introduction to Johnny, he and Mickey made me a part of the Awtrey family.  From that beginning introduction, Johnny became my big brother, just as he was for Alvin.

The most outstanding memory that I have of Johnny is his omnipresent smile.  Even if he were complaining, he did it with a smile!

Johnny was a loving father, husband, and "card sender."  He faithfully acknowledged anniversaries and birthdays with pictures from days from the distant past -- pictures that would have just as well be forgotten!

There has been no man prouder of his children and their accomplishments than Johnny was of Clyde, Robert, and Anna. He regarded each grandchild and "greats" as a gift from God and proudly showed  pictures to anyone who would take the time to view them.

All of us will miss Johnny's laughter, peppered by his occasional periods of Awtrey stubborness.  It was this combination of traits that made him a beloved person. 
 
God's love permeated Johnny's life as he helped others. He never missed a chance to speak of his Christian beliefs, and most importantly, to act on those beliefs.

Johnny didn't just touch my life -- he was embedded in the lives of Alvin, me, our family.

Rest in peace, Johnny.  God has prepared a place for you!
In deep love, Janet Shealy Awtrey

The memories and experiences are too numerous to even begin to recall here.  John and Mickey and Neet and Charlie were pretty much inseparable in all those years on Mangum Street.  And all us kids were one big family.  

The camping trips were some of my best memories, particularly the trip to the ‘64 Worlds Fair in New York and the bears and Neet and Mickey at Smokemont.   Just drove thru Smokemont two days ago and was reminiscing about that.

All those years growing up around your parents really helped shape Tommy and my lives.  We couldn’t asked for a better environment that was shaped by the bond between our parents. 

Your dad was always there for my parents as they struggled through the late years of their lives.  He will be missed by many but he leaves behind so many great memories.

What a dear man. Such a great volunteer for our activities department at Lowman when I was there—and then to get his nursing assistant certification, at that stage in life, to be able to truly help the people.  I will always have fond memories of him, and his sister Mary and Bill Hamson.  Love to Mary and all the family. 

Sherry French, Little Mountain, SC

Claire, Glenn and I were heart broken to hear John had passed away but we know he is walking with Jesus today and having a good ole time.  He was a great man, a devoted Gideon and servant to the Lord and a precious friend to everyone.  I loved hearing his stories and even though our circumstances didn’t allow much time with our Gideon friends, our memories of those times are very special.  John was truly a family man and very proud of his children and grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.  You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.  We love you!

John Martin was always a favorite of mine.
Condolences to the whole family. He will be missed. He is with God now. Rest in peace, John Martin. Much love. Lois Hilton Thayer.

All of my memories of John are good ones.  He was a very loving, giving man who brought compassion to countless others. 

John, may God bless you though out the ages. We will miss you greatly. You are a loyal friend and mentor.

OBITUARY

John Martin Awtrey

January 18, 1926 – May 13, 2022

Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Chapin Chapel

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