John Mack Calhoun Sr.

A native of Collins, MS and longtime resident of Prairieville, John passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at his home. He was 79 and retired as the Chief Fire Communications Officer with the Baton Rouge Fire Department. John also served his country during the Korean Conflict as a U.S. Marine. He graduated from Gilbert High School and later became a Mason, Gideon, and Deacon at Ascension Baptist Church and also served as Chairman of the Board of the Fellowship Center in Gonzales, LA for 10 years. He was honored by Volunteer Ascension for his work with The Fellowship Center. He also was a member of Builders for Christ. He was able to travel to many places in the U.S. and made many mission trips to South Texas and Mexico to cook for the mission groups. He was an avid fisherman, bowler, and chef, famous for his banana pudding.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 31 years, Marilyn “Kay” Calhoun; daughters, Terry and Willard Grimball and Tammy Calhoun; sons, John “Mack” Calhoun, Jr., Bryan and Lauryn Romano, Rustin and Nicole Romano, and Ronnie and Crystal Romano; sister, Sammy Jo Hutson; grandchildren, Nicole and Bryan LeBlanc, Kristin and Greg Gautreau, DaNay Calhoun, John Mack Calhoun, III, Meagan Calhoun, Phillip and Rylee Romano, Wesley and Kenley Romano, Devon and Matthew Romano; seven step grandchildren; and great grandchildren, Deaton, Amelia, and Beck LeBlanc and Gabriel and Aubrie Calhoun.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford and Gracie Calhoun and a sister Mary Elizabeth Calhoun.

Visiting will be at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales on Friday, August 1, 2014 from 5 pm to 9 pm. Visiting will resume on Saturday, August 2 at the funeral home from 9 am until funeral services in the chapel at noon. Rev. Paul Harris will be officiating. Burial to follow in Oak Lane Memorial Park, Prairieville.

Pallbearers will be Devon Romano, Matthew Romano, John Calhoun, III, Phillip Romano, Bryan LeBlanc, and Greg Gautreau.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be to the Food Bank through the Fellowship Center, 813 S Burnside Ave, Gonzales, LA 70737.

The family would also like to thank their church families at Dutchtown Baptist and Ascension Baptist for their prayers and support.

To offer your condolences to the family please visit, www.oursofh.com.