John Hardin McGath, 87, Theodore, AL, went home to be with his Lord & Savior March 17, 2019. Born December 21, 1931 to Edward & Lois McGath in Bedford, Indiana. In July of 1950 he enlisted in the US Navy, and served in Korea during the Korean Conflict. While in the Navy he met his wife of 43 years, Joan Delores McGath. In 1961 he entered the Baptist Seminary of Little Rock. He was a Baptist Preacher for over 50 years, holding pastorates in: Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri & Mississippi. He often enjoyed entertaining friends, cooking, and for many years was an avid student of genealogy and history as well as his longstanding memberships with the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and the General Society of the War of 1812. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Bud Auffenburg, Tom McGath and Jerry McGath and sisters; Sherry Craven, and Judy Clark; his wife, Joan D. McGath and sons, Thomas Owen McGath and John Lee McGath. He is survived by his son, Benjamin E. (Julie) McGath, daughter Cynthia L. (Joseph) Jones, grandsons; Stephen E. McGath, Thomas L. McGath, Ethan C. (Gabrielle) McGath; granddaughters Caitlyn E. McGath & Chloe L. (Garrett) Keating; brother Norman "Mick" (Pat) McGath; and sister Janet (John) Miller.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. from The Baptist Chapel, 10431 Old Pascagoula Road, Grand Bay, Alabama. The family will be accepting friends at the church Thursday one hour prior to services. A graveside service will follow Friday, March 22, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. from Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida. Bro. Steve Merritt will be officiating.
