John Wesley Auvenshine

John Wesley Auvenshine was born July 15, 1921 in McKenzie., Tennessee and peacefully left this earthly journey on Sunday, January 17, 2016, in Tucson, Arizona. John grew up in rural Tennessee and enjoyed school but particularly sports-football and basketball were his favorites. He also enjoyed his horse, Peewee. While a soldier stationed in Texas, he wandered through a small town (Quemado, Texas) and fell in love with a young lady named Lula Rodgers. They married on September 15, 1943 and after he came back from overseas (WWII service in Army Signal Corp) they moved to Lansing, Michigan and began building their lives together which included: raising two sons; working for 30 years at GM Oldsmobile plant (Journeyman Painter) and then 10 years with the VFW National Childrens Home (grounds maintenance); serving as a Bible teacher and deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church, Lansing, Michigan. He lived most years in Michigan but some in Florida and Arkansas. For several years they traveled in a motor home as “snowbirds”-primarily to Arizona. He was a survivor of prostate cancer & lung cancer. He was given an honorary High School diploma by the State of Tennessee (for his service in WWII). John was preceded in death by: his parents, five brothers, one sister and one son, Thomas. Those remaining are John's wife (celebrated 72 years together in September 2015); son, John (Bridget); son, Thomas' wife (Linda); three grandsons (and wives) and one granddaughter; plus three great-grandsons (most recent named after him), three great-granddaughters, one brother and one “adopted son”. John/Johnny will be greatly missed and remembered as a man of courage, strong faith in God and country, love of family and friends, integrity and honor by all who had the privilege of crossing paths or walking with him. Because of his many fond memories and experiences, John longed to return to Michigan. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to the VFW National Children's Home, 3573 S. Waverly Rd, Eaton Rapids, MI. 48827.