John Edwin Vermaelen

John Edwin Vermaelen, age 86, beloved father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend; lover of nature, gardening, hunting, fishing, family, Blue Bell ice cream and a good joke, was taken to his heavenly home on September 18, 2023.

Born July 6, 1937 to Virginia and Edwin Vermaelen, he grew up in Calcasieu, Louisiana, went on to attend and graduate from Northwestern State University (Louisiana), served two years in the United States Armed Forces (reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant), then served an additional ten years in the Army Reserve as a Captain. John worked for United Gas Pipeline (1963 – 73) followed by Pennzoil Company from 1973 until retirement in 1995.

John was a kind, patient, generous Southern gentleman who was always ready with a smile for a stranger, a friend, or his family. John was quick-witted, independent, a great handyman, a collector of “Dad jokes”, a traveler/explorer of our great continent, and always ready and willing to share his time and resources (and kumquats –lol!) with family and those in need. His was a life well-lived and his beautiful soul will never be forgotten.

John was preceded in death by his father, Edwin Vermaelen; his mother, Virginia Vermaelen; his sister, Catherine Stokes; and his brother, Joe Vermaelen. He is survived by his sisters: Mary Boswell and Edwina Dobernig; his children: Renee Vermaelen, Doug (and his wife, Teresa) Vermaelen, and Dione Kirkpatrick; his grandchildren: Alex (and his wife, Libby) Campbell, Aaron Campbell, Jessica Vermaelen, Johnathon Vermaelen, and Collin Kirkpatrick; his great-grandchild: Isla Campbell; his former wife, Cherie Eldridge; his brother-in-law, Sam Johnston; and his good friend, Sammie Durand. John was greatly loved while he was with us and he will be missed. We are so thankful that we got to spend some time on Earth with him, but knowing we will see him again one day in heaven gives us peace. Save us a place at the table, John – we’ll bring the Pumpkin Spice Cake this time!

A Funeral Mass will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church on Friday October 6, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Internment at the Veteran’s Cemetery to be scheduled. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Cross Catholic Outreach at crosscatholic.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidechampions.com for the Vermaelen family.