John Richard Compton

MSgt John Richard Compton Sr., United States Marine Corps, Retired, passed away at the age of 87 in Newport, North Carolina, on July 23, 2025.

In recognition of John's service to our country, a graveside service, with military honors, will be held at 10a.m. on Thursday, July 31st, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.

John was born on October 31, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, to the late William and Anna Keves Compton.

John attended Flint Northern High School and joined the United States Marine Corps, in 1955, at the age of seventeen. He was stationed at bases in North Carolina and Florida. He served his country abroad with tours of duty in Vietnam and Japan. John was an aircraft electrical specialist and often spoke of his success in keeping the aircraft in his charge combat ready. He was very passionate about his military career but remained humble about his achievements. He would share stories with his friends and family about his tours of duty in Vietnam. Some were funny stories about the adventures he shared with his buddies, but some stories brought him great anguish though more than 50 years had passed since he served in those battle grounds. Although he retired in 1975, his love and dedication to this country continued throughout his life so much so that when the Gulf War began in 1990, he attempted to return to active duty at the age of 53. He loved his country and carried the discipline, loyalty, and honor of a Marine with him in everything he did.

After retiring from military life, John poured his energy and talent into starting and operating a highly successful HVAC company. Known for his incredible work ethic and dedication, he earned the trust and respect of his community and customers alike. He was a man of action, integrity, and strength.

John enjoyed several hobbies to include building model airplanes and rockets, fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, photography, astronomy, and TV gazing, just to name a few. He spent many hours reliving his days in military service by watching documentaries of the war in Vietnam and other military related programs. He also loved old westerns and movies of other genres set in the Golden Age of film. He loved the music artistry of Boots Randolph and the beloved classic "Blueberry Hill" by Fats Domino. He enjoyed spending time with his family and watching old home movies he filmed in the early 60’s and 70’s. 

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Minnie Frances Compton; children, Teresa Compton Arthur and husband, Dave, of Warrenton, VA; Ronald Keves Compton of Newport, NC; Anna Michelle Lester and husband, Darryl, of Hope Mills, NC; Regina Frances Parnell and husband, Steve, of Swansboro, NC; Allison Raynor Hardy and husband, Shon, of Bluffton, SC. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters-in-law, and extended family to include cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his sons, John Richard Compton Jr. and William Charles Compton, and his beloved step-dad, William H. Sabo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://woundedwarriorproject.org/

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.