John M. Honea

John M. Honea of Groves passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at Magnolia Manor. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday, July 4, 2008.The funeral service will be conducted by the Reverend Christie Hale at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches. John was a native of Linn Flat, Texas, in Nacogdoches County. He was the salutatorian for the Central Heights High School Class of 1940. He was also a three-year starter for Blue Devils basketball team. John received an athletic scholarship to play basketball at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he was a starter and letterman in 1942. John was inducted into the U.S. Army on September 26, 1942. His military service during World War II lasted three years, one month and three days. He served his country as a rifleman (marksman) and anti-tank gunner (expert) in the European-North African-Mediterranean campaign. John was awarded the Bronze Star for valor, Good Conduct Badge, FAME Theater Ribbon and Combat Infantry Badge for service in the 5th Army, 88th Division Blue Devils. After the war, John obtained a B.S. degree with a double major in biology and physical education in 1947 and an M.A. degree in P.E. from SFASU. He was employed by the Port Arthur I.S.D. as the first P.E. teacher at Tyrrell Elementary in 1947 where he served until retirement in 1980. John was also a member of First United Methodist Church of Port Arthur and a founding member of the Port Arthur Teachers Credit Union. John was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth W. Honea in 2002. He is survived by one son, Dr. John Mark Honea, who is a career educator, like his father and mother. John is also survived by a host of nephews, nieces, and grand-nephews and nieces, as well as many good friends. A special thanks to his caregivers, Sue James, Dasha Lewis, Elda Harris and Carlina Shield. Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.