John Roy Gourley

John attended Sugar Grove Elementary School and graduated from Eisenhower High School and Hobart Welding School in Hobart Ohio. John proudly served his country in the United States Marines in Okinawa. He worked at Betts Industries in Warren, Cummins Engine in Jamestown and was retired from his employment at Warren State Hospital where he was a security guard for many years in the Forensic Building.

After his retirement, John continued to bless his many friends with his building and painting skills. He could do anything you ask him to do and was always ready, willing and able for the task at hand. He was a generous, honest, hard working, good man who had a strong faith in God and was very supportive to his family and friends.

John loved volunteering at the Alaska Christian College where he went on several missions and was planning his next when the Lord called him home. John had a beautiful voice and will be missed by his Karaoke friends and the many people who loved to hear him sing as he shared his music freely as he went about his work, and was a frequent soloist in weddings, funerals and church services. John was a member of the American Legion and the VFW in Safety Harbor, Florida and was an avid San Francisco Sports Fan.

Surviving is his wife, Marsha Rotunda Gourley whom he married Sept. 19, 2020 in Sugar Grove; three daughters, Tricia (Brian) Donnell of Sugar Grove, Julie (Barry) Mohr of Warren, and Devan VanHouten of Warren; a step-son, Kenneth (Kelly) Kendall of Jamestown, NY; two step-daughters, Amy (Andy) Jasper of Warren and Nicole Kendall of Erie; a sister, Evelyn (Earl) Woodburn of Bear Lake, PA; two brothers, Gary (Peggy) Gourley of Sugar Grove and Paul Gourley of Hendersonville, TN; two sister-in-laws, Patti Gourley and Nancy Gourley both of Sugar Grove; and three sister-in laws and four brother-in-laws by marriage; four grandchildren, Benjamin and Faith Donnell, Shayna Gourley and Libbey VanHouten; and 13 step grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Marie Saunders Gourley; a brother, William James Gourley; two nieces, Caroline Renee Gourley and Jamie Sue Woodburn Retterer, and a step-son, Terry Kendall.

A time of visitation will be held at the Sugar Grove Fire Department where the family will receive friends on Wednesday, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. CDC requirements of masks and social distancing will be observed. A funeral service will be held at the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church Rec Hall on Thursday, April 8, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. P.J. Cathcart officiating. Full Military Honors will follow at a graveside service at the Turnpike Cemetery, Sugar Grove.

The family suggests those wishing to place memorials may do so to the Alaska Christian College, the Sugar Grove Volunteer Fire Department or the Sugar Grove Free Methodist Church. McKinney Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Inc. of Youngsville and Sugar Grove have been entrusted with all arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.mckinney funeral.com.