John W. McCutchen, Jr., 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, October 5, 2009. He was born in Palestine, Texas on November 12, 1922 and moved to Denison, Texas during high school years and graduated from Denison High School in 1939.



He was a veteran of World War II and received the Purple Heart and Silver Star Accomodation after being wounded on December 25, 1944 in the Battle of the Bulge. After returning home from the war he attended Texas A&M University, but transferred to Texas University and graduated from there in 1947 with a Civil Engineering Degree. He worked for United Gas Pipeline in Shreveport, Louisiana for 20 years and transferred to Houston, Texas and retired from United Gas-Pennzoil as Project Manager in 1989 with 35 years of service. He and his wife then moved to Sherman, Texas and made it their home for twenty years. His wife, Merline, preceeded him in death in December of 2008.



He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He leaves behind his son, Bill McCutchen of Houston, Texas; his daughter Sheri Abel and husband John C. Abel of Frisco, Texas; his grandchildren Derek Abel of Dallas, Texas, Sarah Zimmermann and husband Eric Zimmermann of Prosper, Texas; great-granddaughter Hailyn; great-grandson Zander Jackson of Prosper, Texas.



He was a successful businessman, excelling in his career at United Gas Pennzoil and always taking pride in everything he did. A quiet, reserve, distinquished man, kind with a generous heart. He taught us all many lessons in life, an amazing work ethic and above all, devoted his life to loving and providing for his family. A great athlete, loving all sports and was an amazing competitor on the tennis court.



A graveside funeral service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Denison, Texas on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 2 p.m. The family visitation hour will be held on October 8, 2009 at The Waldo Funeral Home from 5-6 p.m.. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that contributions be made to the Home Hospice of Grayson County. The online register book can be signed at waldofuneralhome.com.



He has gone to be with his loving wife in heaven. No more pain, no more suffering, nothing but pure joy.



He will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the priviledge of shaking his hand and knowing what a dear and kind man he was.