John Cappell, 69, of Royal Oak, Michigan and recently of Spring, Texas was called home to be with his Heavenly Father, and reunited with many beloved family and friends who went before him on December 6, 2025.
He was born on November 9, 1956 to Stuart and Eleanor (Annis) Cappell in Pontiac Michigan. He was the first of four siblings, and the only boy. His sisters and family always joked that he was the "golden child". Though it was a family joke, in many ways he lived up to his nickname, always lighting up the room and the lives of those around him. As a child he played hockey and football, and loved time outdoors and at the lakes around Michigan. He loved his family, and remained close with his sisters his whole life.
As a young man, John began a life of adventure as he headed "out west" to work as a land surveyor for petroleum exploration. His family loved to hear his stories of sights seen, friends made, animals encountered, and daring feats such as being dropped onto a mountain ridge from a helicopter. All in a day's work!
During his years in Montana, Colorado, and Texas, John began the odyssey of fatherhood. First with two daughters, and eventually a son. John was always very proud of his children. He loved being their dad, and we think this was his favorite adventure.
Eventually, John returned to Michigan, where he raised his son, Matthew. He worked in civil engineering for Hubble, Roth & Clark, contributing to the construction of bridges and roads. As part of his role, he hosted visiting executives from other cities, showcasing the company's work and explaining how its approaches could be applied in their own communities. John was proud of his work and was known for his strong work ethic. He continued his education, studying at Macomb Community College. He married Jan Elrod in 2003; she passed away in 2021. Throughout his life, John continued to enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors.
John was a proud grandpa to 11 grandchildren and one great-nephew—one of his greatest accomplishments. He loved sharing the world with them and spending time talking about football (especially his beloved Lions), hunting, and history, as he was a Civil War enthusiast. He was also very knowledgeable about firearms, and enjoyed discussing the differences among handguns and rifles, which he collected.
He is survived by his children, Amanda (Dan) McCarvel of Great Falls, MT, Jessica (Jon) Gulley of McMurray, PA, and Matthew Cappell of Spring, TX, sisters Mary Beth Cappell-Bovee (Frank Rab)and Amy Cappell (Matt Miller) of Houston, TX, niece Brianna Bovee (Adam Dell)of PEI, Canada, 11 grandchildren, great-nephew, his dog, Ella, and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jan, and his sister Joanne Cappell (Clarence)Carter.
We will miss him more than words can express. We remember his positivity, kindness, wisdom, his sometimes larger-than-life stories, and his unforgettable laugh. Though he is away from us now, his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.
"With grateful hearts, we release him into God's keeping, knowing his love remains with us always."
A celebration of his life will be held in Michigan, June 2026
He was born on November 9, 1956 to Stuart and Eleanor (Annis) Cappell in Pontiac Michigan. He was the first of four siblings, and the only boy. His sisters and family always joked that he was the "golden child". Though it was a family joke, in many ways he lived up to his nickname, always lighting up the room and the lives of those around him. As a child he played hockey and football, and loved time outdoors and at the lakes around Michigan. He loved his family, and remained close with his sisters his whole life.
As a young man, John began a life of adventure as he headed "out west" to work as a land surveyor for petroleum exploration. His family loved to hear his stories of sights seen, friends made, animals encountered, and daring feats such as being dropped onto a mountain ridge from a helicopter. All in a day's work!
During his years in Montana, Colorado, and Texas, John began the odyssey of fatherhood. First with two daughters, and eventually a son. John was always very proud of his children. He loved being their dad, and we think this was his favorite adventure.
Eventually, John returned to Michigan, where he raised his son, Matthew. He worked in civil engineering for Hubble, Roth & Clark, contributing to the construction of bridges and roads. As part of his role, he hosted visiting executives from other cities, showcasing the company's work and explaining how its approaches could be applied in their own communities. John was proud of his work and was known for his strong work ethic. He continued his education, studying at Macomb Community College. He married Jan Elrod in 2003; she passed away in 2021. Throughout his life, John continued to enjoy traveling and spending time outdoors.
John was a proud grandpa to 11 grandchildren and one great-nephew—one of his greatest accomplishments. He loved sharing the world with them and spending time talking about football (especially his beloved Lions), hunting, and history, as he was a Civil War enthusiast. He was also very knowledgeable about firearms, and enjoyed discussing the differences among handguns and rifles, which he collected.
He is survived by his children, Amanda (Dan) McCarvel of Great Falls, MT, Jessica (Jon) Gulley of McMurray, PA, and Matthew Cappell of Spring, TX, sisters Mary Beth Cappell-Bovee (Frank Rab)and Amy Cappell (Matt Miller) of Houston, TX, niece Brianna Bovee (Adam Dell)of PEI, Canada, 11 grandchildren, great-nephew, his dog, Ella, and numerous cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jan, and his sister Joanne Cappell (Clarence)Carter.
We will miss him more than words can express. We remember his positivity, kindness, wisdom, his sometimes larger-than-life stories, and his unforgettable laugh. Though he is away from us now, his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.
"With grateful hearts, we release him into God's keeping, knowing his love remains with us always."
A celebration of his life will be held in Michigan, June 2026
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Albert Cappell, please visit our flower store.
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