John Lawson Felder VI's Obituary
Born May 10, 1941, John Lawson Felder VI passed away on September 18, 2017, at his home in Garland, Texas, surrounded by his family. John’s battle with emphysema is finally over and gratefully, he no longer struggles to breathe and has no more pain. We envision him spending happy times with his family members, friends and family pets who passed before him.John was preceded in death by his parents, John Lawson Felder V and Martha Tompkins Felder and nephew, SSG Clayton Bowen. He is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Beth Anne Doebbler Felder, sons, John Lawson Felder VII and wife MacKinzie and son, Ryan Christopher Felder. Also carrying on John’s legacy and lessons are grandsons, John Lawson Felder VIII and Harrison Lee Felder. Other surviving family members include his brother, Charles T. Felder, and wife Debra, brothers-in-law, Howard A. (Buddy) Doebbler III and wife Reesa; and brother-in-law, James A. Doebbler. Additionally, John is survived by nephew, Troy Doebbler, nieces Courtney Claunch and Melanie Cruz as well as cousins, a great niece and great nephews.John’s life began in San Antonio, Texas where he was a great mischief-maker from an early age. He burned down a vacant lot at age 3 and loved to put candles in the medicine cabinets and dresser drawers at his home. He loved his many train trips with his family, to visit his maternal grandparents, Charles and Hazel Tompkins, in Prescott, Arkansas and went on to attend schools in Alamo Heights, graduating from Alamo Heights High School in 1960. At Alamo Heights High School, he ran track and played in the Swing Band, playing trumpet. During his high school years, he also attended Allen Military Academy where he decided that the best way to earn flying lessons was to wash airplanes at a nearby private airport. That ended when it was discovered by his father and his airplane washing days quickly came to an end. John loved fast cars, motorcycles, beautiful girls and bragging that he and his friends would arrive at a scene before the police as they drove the streets together and listed to their scanner.John went on to serve honorably in the United States Air Force, became a private pilot and earned a degree in Marketing from University of Texas at Dallas. Though he hadn’t flown for many years, he took one final flight as pilot for his 76th birthday, a gift from his children. With sons Johnny and Ryan as passengers, it was a very special time for “the boys” to share together on what would be John’s last birthday, though it was the first and last flight in a small aircraft for both sons.Though mischief was “in his DNA”, John settled down to become very much the family man when he married Beth in 1976. They went on to share 41 years together and brought two wonderful sons into the world, followed by the addition of “our girl”, when Johnny VII married MacKinzie. Two more additions were welcomed into the family with the birth of two grandsons, Johnny VIII and Harrison. John liked to joke that the Felders have no imagination when it came to naming first born sons as they were all named John.Such a talented man, he loved music of all kinds, collected antique Victrolas, steam engines, binoculars, guns, microscopes, clocks, radios and anything mechanical. He could fix anything and everything, even when we didn’t want it fixed. A craftsman who made wooden toys and boats, among other things, he was also an incredibly talented artist. His drawings and toys and collections are still here for us to remember him by, with much love. Over the years, it has become apparent that John’s “mischief DNA” was generously distributed to his sons and grandsons and we believe that he will continue to laugh at their antics and guide them as they grow.John delighted in being part of Johnny and Ryan’s lives and activities and in watching them grow into extraordinary men. As they became older, he loved joining them in their mischief, much to “the girls’ ” dismay. He began a new stage of life when he became “Papa” to Johnny VIII and Harrison, a role that he so loved and cherished. His death will leave a great void in our lives.Ever the animal lover, the house always had a family pet, be it dog, cat or fish. He was always the family pet’s favorite and had a great love and respect for all things living. His greatest sorrow was when he read of the mistreatment of an animal.Though he left us much too early, we are grateful that he can now breathe easily and are sure that he is playing with Champion Good Puppy, Riley, Murphy and Griffin, Tigger and Kato.His family will forever remember his great love for them and love that he was able to enjoy a full life, centered around his home and family. His mischievous spirit and smile and his sarcastic sense of humor stayed with him until the end and we will forever remember his joy of family.We want to extend our appreciation to Dr. Marcum Quinn and his nurse, Kimberly, who provided John the best medical care and overwhelming compassion over a period of many years. Thanks also go to Alice, his nurse at Hospice Compassus whose loving care and kindness over the last months of his life were so appreciated.In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a donation in John’s memory, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends, at www.bestfriends.org, to benefit the animals involved in Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, donations in John’s name can be made to the COPD Foundation at www.copdfoundation.org.A “Celebration of a Life Well Lived” will be held on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 at 3:30 pm. The service will be held at the old Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
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