John F. Poe

John F. Poe (Fleet Master Chief Petty Officer), age 71 of Atlanta, Georgia and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Dec. 8, 2023 in Georgia after a long battle with cancer.  He was born July 12, 1952 in Marion, Indiana.  John was a member of the class of 1970 of Frankton High School.  He proudly joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 during the Vietnam War, and decided to make military service his career for over 25 years. John served alongside his brothers - Steve in the U.S. Army and Greg in the U.S. Marines during the war.  He lived his best life while serving his country.  After retirement from the Navy, he was an instructor in ROTC in Corpus Christi, Texas and in Jackson, Georgia.  Later, he started a trucking company and continued that business until his second cancer diagnosis.

There was so much to John’s character.  His family often joked about his taste in women – there were so many!  He loved to play poker (a family tradition) and if a game was happening around him, he was in it.  He loved comedy and would spend countless hours surfing YouTube for comedy sketches that he could share with others.  John detested confrontation and wouldn’t say a word back to anyone.  He always said, “I’m a lover, not a fighter – my face is too pretty to be hit”.  To know his was to love him.

John is survived by his wife, Diane Poe of Georgia; mother, Rosa Roby of Elwood; siblings, Steven Poe of Greenwood, Greg Poe of Elwood, Jeff (Joyce) Poe of Elwood, and Beth (Mark) Melvin of Elwood; Daughter, Shawn (Josh) Blackaby and John’s grandson, Will; his beloved dog, Bella; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  John was preceded in death by his biological father, Richard Poe; his dad who raised him, Roy Roby; and a brother, Ritchie Poe.

Cremation will take place.  A memorial service celebrating John’s life will be held at 4 pm on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Brad Collett officiating.  Full military honors by the U.S. Navy and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard will follow the memorial service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of John’s favorite organizations, The USO or Tunnels to Towers.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.