John C. Church Sr., age 81, passed away on November 21, 2021. He was the loving husband of Rachel Church for 60 years. The beloved father of John (Mary Kay) Jr., Michelle Galloway, Brian (Maria), and Pamela (Thomas) Lamb. The cherished grandpa of Melissa (Braden) Hernandez, Rachel Galloway, Alexandria Galloway, John Church III, Travis Church, Harper Church, Claire Church, Patrick Lamb, and Thomas Lamb. The dear brother of Jacqueline Andrews, Barbara Sennett, and the late Harold Church. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
John enlisted in the Marine Corps from Detroit and rose through the ranks to retire from his beloved Corps as a colonel. John was Naval Flight Officer. He logged 550 combat missions as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-4 Phantom. He served during the Vietnam War and was a highly decorated Marine combat veteran. John received many honors including the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with Strike Flights 39, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” (and star in lieu of second award), the Combat Action Ribbon, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three Stars, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Republic of Vietnam Actions Unit Citation, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
John made history when he became the very first Naval Flight Officer in the Marine Corps to command a Marine Corps fighter jet squadron. He ended his active duty career as the Commanding Officer of Marine Wing Support Group-47 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base. He also served as the Head of Leadership Studies and the Director of the Navy JROTC Program at Murray-Wright High School in Detroit, not too far from where he grew up. After retirement, John enjoyed being with his wonderful bride, Rachel, and his loving family. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and watching his favorite Detroit sports teams – both when they were champions or dismal.
Visitation for John will take place on Monday, November 29, 2021 and Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 10:00 am at St. Thecla Catholic Church, 20740 S Nunneley Road in Clinton Township. Friends may visit church beginning at 9:30 am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com for the Church family.
