Obituary-John Harold Ebright, 87

October 8, 2004

John Harold Ebright was a kind, gentle man. He was born in Hasty, Colorado on October 3, 1916 to Otto J. Ebright and Mary Katherine (Hostetter) Ebright. He passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2004, at the age of 87.

John graduated from Eads High School in 1935 where he was very active in sports, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and tennis. After attending business school in Denver he returned to Eads where he assisted his father with the Standard Oil business and became very active in town team sports as a participant, manager and referee.

John enlisted in the Army on December 5, 1941 and received training in various camps throughout the United States before being deployed to New Guinea and the Southern Philippines to serve his country during World War II. He was wounded in battle in 1944 during front line action at Leyte, Philippines. This ended his active military career and he was honorably discharged from the Army on November 20, 1946, after a lengthy stay at Dibble General Hospital in Menlio Park, California. Decorations and Citations were awarded as follows: American Defense Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze star, Purple Heart, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with two bronze stars, and a World War II Victory Medal.

John resumed work with his father in the Standard Oil business on a part time basis that was dictated by his health and his convalescence. John's many other activities included golf, bowling, stamps, coins, and many, many hours of working crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. His love for music included many hours of listening to Big Bands and Yanni. He had a love for cars and also received his Private Pilot's certification from the Smoky Hill Air Service, Inc. He was active in the Elk's Lodge, the American Legion and was a member of the United Methodist Church.

He married Verna Kelley in July, 1956 and moved into the home that they currently reside in today. Living across the street from John's parents the family was surrounded by a large circle of family and friends. To this union were born two daughters, Marilyn Kay and Karen Lea who made the family complete. John was a devoted husband and father. His family was extended with the marriage of Karen and Mike and ultimately grandsons Michael and Shane. His grandsons became his immediate focus and pride and Joy.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Marilyn at an early age; his brother, Leroy; and brothers-in-law, Charles Mills, Ray Robertson, and Gilbert Krueger. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Verna; daughter, Karen (Mike) Bryant; grandsons, Michael and Shane; sisters, Eloise Robertson, Marjory Mills, and May Krueger; and sister-in-law, Janette Ebright; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.