Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John McQuary Obituary
John McDonald McQuary was born July 22, 1953 in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Warren and Irma McDonald McQuary. Growing up in Centerville, IA, he was an accomplished athlete in golf, football, and tennis. John followed his passion with athletics and physical fitness when he earned his B.S.E. in Physical Education from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, MO. Through his many roles as coach, John found his greatest satisfaction was not only in developing winning teams, but also in mentoring young adults toward disciplined, moral, and high quality lives.
Later in life, John channeled his calling to assist young adults, especially at-risk students, through the completion of his M.S.E. in Counseling at Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois. Some of his most rewarding memories were the opportunities to assist at-risk students with their many-faceted challenges.
John met his soulmate Geralyn Brogla McQuary in 1980 and married her on January 16, 1981. His pride and joys were his son Shannon, son Bailey, and daughter Morgan. John was a member of St. Luke Catholic Church in Smyrna, TN and St. Rose Catholic Church in Murfreesboro, TN.
John died with loving care at Alive Hospice Skyline Medical on July 9, 2015 at the age of 61. He is survived by his children Shannon McQuary and his wife Amy of San Diego, CA, Bailey McQuary of Antioch, TN and Morgan Williamson and her husband Matthew of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL; sister Pam Oden and her husband Jim of Centerville, IA; brother Tim McQuary of Centerville, IA; and grandchild John "Jack" McQuary. John is also survived by in-laws Cheryl Brogla-Krupke of Davenport, IA and Gerry Brogla and his wife Marty of Normal, IL.
John was preceded in death by his parents Warren McQuary and Irma McQuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in memory of John be made to St Luke Catholic Church Building Fund at 10682 Old Nashville Hwy Smyrna, TN 37167 or Alive Hospice Murfreesboro Building Fund at 1639 Medical Center Parkway, Suite 202 Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
A funeral mass will take place on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Father Jacob Dio will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with a Rosary Service at 6:00 p.m.
An online guestbook is available at www.woodfinchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John McQuary
Bentley Shofner
July 28, 2015
I just found out about John's passing and I am devastated. I worked with John when he came to Riverdale High School for a year, and I admired much about him. He was a good friend and mentor to me and I am sorry I was not present at his funeral, but I just did not know. I will miss him greatly.
Rick Brinkley
July 20, 2015
May God's tender mercies be with the McQuary family now and in the days to come. Please accept our dearest condolence. ~Rick Brinkley & family
Bill Bailey
July 13, 2015
So sad to learn of John's passing. John was one of my favorite people, a great friend and an even better person. I express my deepest sympathy to you Geralyn, Shannon and the rest of the family. RIP my friend and Keep It In The Short Grass!
John Rydzewski
July 13, 2015
Worked with John at Smyrna West. He was a kind and understanding person. I am truly for the loss of a great family man. His struggle and pains are over now. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Bob & Carol Morris & Family
July 12, 2015
Truly a sad day to hear of the passing of John. Our sincere condolences to the entire family. While with us in Illinois, John was a valued friend; the ultimate professional as a faculty member, and the most inspirational golf coach any family could ask for. May he rest in peace and his family find comfort knowing John positively influenced many young lives and helped them to become who they are today. May God Bless and thank you for our time with John.
Steve Downes
July 11, 2015
So Sorry for your lost Geralyn as I enjoyed your visits back home.
Christine Hayes / Perdue
July 10, 2015
So sad to hear of John's passing. I was a childhood friend of Johns. He was a wonderful young friend. As a child we danced at the Centerville Country Club, played golf and went to the Iowa State fair. He grew up into a great man. He will be missed
Jerry Werzel
July 10, 2015
John was an assistant coach with me at Wayne of Corydon HS. John was very loyal as an assistant and worked well with the girls. My thoughts go to the family and his sister Pam
July 10, 2015
Thinking of you all in prayer, Geralyn, Morgan & Matt, Bailey, Shannon & Amy & Jack. Uncle John was the greatest guy and he provided our family with so much support, guidance, and love.
We love you all - Jodie, Scott, Austin, Jordan, Katelyn, and Trey
July 9, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to John's family and especially to his sister Pam, my dear best friend forever.
Colene and Tom Chebuhar
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in John McQuary's name
Memorial Events
for John McQuary
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John McQuary's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
