John Stanley Rouse

Known to his wife, Lois Oliver Brinson Rouse, as “John." They shared 40 years of marriage. They had much love and joyful laughs, love of the Republican Party and Fox News. John loved his Boston Terriers, Bandit and Spike. Known to his family and friends as Johnnie. There are many homes, churches and public buildings in Jones and Craven Counties with cabinets, bookcases Mr. Johnnie built. There are fine pieces of furniture scattered all over NC. He was known as “Mr. Fix-It,” a tedious draftsman of every project.

Johnnie grew up at Trenton Missionary Baptist Church with 17 years of perfect attendance. He even sang in the choir. In 1952, he enlisted in the US Navy. After boot camp in San Diego, CA he awaited orders and deployment at Bremerton Naval Base, Washington State. Homeport Norfolk, VA he served on the USS Bordelon and traveled the Seven Seas of our world two times. Johnnie bought his daddy a new Ford tractor with his Navy pay.

When Johnnie returned to Trenton, NC he worked for Mr. Bill Parker. He eventually purchased Pure Gas Station from Mr. Parker and ran it for six years. In 1955, he was a charter member of Trenton Volunteer Fire Department. There are too many stories of those early TFD days to tell.

In 1963, Johnnie moved his family to New Bern and worked as a welder at New Bern Shipyard, Barbour Boat Works and Riverside Ironworks. In 1970, Johnnie worked for the New Bern City Fire Department.. As much as he loved being a fireman, he wanted to fight fires, not just drive a fire truck.

His last public job was at Cherry Point Marine Base as Shop Superintendent where he worked over 17 years. Johnnie did not like to walk! He rode a bicycle all over Cherry Point from shop to shop.

In the late 60’s John S. Rouse was installed in the Masonic Lodge of New Bern. He took great honor in being a Mason.

His final work years he spent in his shop building beautiful things and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lois Brinson Rouse; children, Teresa Rouse McLean, John Rouse, II (David), Pacific Grove, CA; Ronnie Brinson (Kelly), New Bern, Wanda Brinson (Danny Hawk) of New Bern; many grandchildren; sister, Elsie Philyaw, brother, Harvey Lee Rouse, Sr. (Sally) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Jack Rouse and his siblings, Buddy Rouse, Roxie White, Louise Finch, Thomas Rouse, Bobbie Sandborn, Sterling Rouse, Jimmy Ray Rouse.

The family will receive friends at Cotten Funeral Home 10 – 11 a.m. Thursday, July 28 followed by his funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. George Tumlin officiating. Burial will follow in the Trenton Cemetery, with Fireman honors.

Flowers are welcome, but those who prefer are asked to make donations in his memory to Trenton Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 309, Trenton, NC 28585.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cottenfuneralhome.com.