John Marshall Setzer

John was born September 15, 1924, in Catawba County to the late Marshall Lee Setzer and Fannie Ella Deal Setzer.

He served in the Army during WWII, May 1944-May 1946, and was wounded during combat in France, European Theatre, under the command of General George Patton. John was awarded the Purple Heart and several other medals for his heroism in battle. John maintained a deep devotion to all members of the armed forces for his entire life; and he considered it a privilege to have served his country.

John was a founding partner/employee of the former Deal, Isaac, & Setzer Construction Co., Inc. in Conover. He was also employed by M.L. Bowman Const. Co. in Hickory for a number of years. John was primarily a General Superintendent of Elmore Const. & Supply Co., Inc. of Catawba for 20 years until his semi-retirement at age 62.

John was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont and was an active member of the Lutheran Layman’s League. He was a member of the American Legion Post 16 in Newton, where he served as the Commander from June 1961 to June 1962. Later he became a member of American Legion Post 48 in Hickory. John was a member of the Forty and Eight Chapter in Hickory, which is an honor society of American Legionnaires – formerly known as “La Société des Quarante Hommes et Huit Cher aux” – named for the boxcars that carried either forty troops or eight horses to the battle front in France during WWI.

John was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer; and enjoyed playing cards with his family and friends. He especially loved gardening, cooking, and preserving fresh vegetables and game.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Algene Deal Setzer; and brothers, Allen D. Setzer and George S. Setzer.

He is survived by his daughter, Judy Ann Setzer Elmore; granddaughter, Kristin Paige Elmore of Catawba; great granddaughter, Keara Ann Elgamal of Catawba; and former son-in-law, John H. Elmore, Jr. of Catawba.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2013 at Bethel Lutheran Church with Reverend W. E. Duey officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Joe Hewitt, Dale Isaac, Tracy Setzer, Jim Sigmon, Richard McGee, and Von Sigmon. A graveside service with military rights will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, NC 28610.

A special thanks from Ms. Elmore to the nurses and staff of Abernethy Laurels for their kind and thoughtful care of Mr. Setzer during his stay at their facility.