John Vail Bohling

Born on June 22, 1928, to John Henry Bohling, Jr. and Mary Vail in Miles City, Montana, John spoke fondly of the loving home in which he was raised. At just 16 years of age, he graduated from Custer County High School, where he played football, tennis, and golf. According to his classmates, he was “noted for his jokes and lots of fun,” suggesting that his love of telling jokes–which remained with him until his final days–began at an early age.

In 1945, John was eager to serve his country and convinced his parents to sign off on him joining the Navy at the age of 17. He was stationed in China and the Philippines before his honorable discharge in 1946. Following his service in the Navy, John attended Montana State College, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering in 1950. For over a decade, he worked as a civil engineer across many states and with the Army Corps of Engineers.

His life took a new direction in 1962 when he, along with his friend and future business partner, Hal Leverson, opened the first McDonald’s in Texas at Capital Plaza in Austin. Together, their company, HalJohn, built the Central Texas McDonald’s franchise, eventually expanding to include several restaurants in San Antonio, where John and his family relocated in 1972. In 1982, their partnership was amicably dissolved, and John went on to build a McDonald's franchise of more than 20 restaurants throughout the San Antonio area, which he operated until his retirement in 2022.

John met his wife, Virgina “Ginny” Henley, in Austin, where they married in 1966. They shared an adventure-filled life, which featured yearly trips to three of their favorite destinations: San Francisco, Barbados, and London. They were also active in the San Antonio community and generously supported many causes, including the Ronald McDonald House.

John was preceded in death by Ginny, his wife of 58 years, and his son, Beau. He is survived by his son, James Bohling; his stepchildren, Donna Howard, Janet Nitibhon, Kent Smelser, and Carol Smelser; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Doggett, and her sons; and his beloved dog, Bam Bam.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial gathering at Sunset Memorial Park in San Antonio on Friday, August 7, from 11am – 1pm. A private family burial will be held separately. 

In honor of John’s lifelong love of furry friends, donations can be made in his memory to the animal charity of your choice.