Allo Coolman Funeral Homes

John Wayne Elie

Date of Death: December, 15 2010

John Wayne Elie, 70, Escanaba, passed away on Wednesday December 15, 2010 at his home. John was born on May 30, 1940 in Escanaba, the son of the late Lawrence and Evelyn (Bellefeuille-La Fleur) Elie.

He attended Escanaba Holy Name High school graduating in 1958.

John served in the Michigan National Guard while he was still in high school. On July 8, 1958 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps until his discharge as Lance Corporal. In 1962 he recieved his first good conduct Medal. Upon his discharge he attended Northern Michigan College and graduated from Machinist school in 1963.

In 1963 John enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and worked as an Auto Track Radar Repairman until 1967 with the rank of AIC.

John worked a short time at Chris-Craft Boat Builders in Holland, MI in 1967 and then decided to make the military his career.

In 1968, he joined the U.S. Navy as an AT2 (E5) and in 1968 he received Commendation at NAT Memphis, TN for superior scholastic achievement in Avionics Fundamentals. In 1969 he received a meritorious unit commendation on the USS Oris Kany CVA34 in combat operatives in Southeast Asia and in 1970 received citation for outstanding performance of duty while attached to fighter squadron 191 as an Avionics Bench Technician. In 1971 John completed and certified in AT2 course of Instructor training and also receiving his second good conduct medal. In1979 received letter of commendation at NAS Moffat Field, Ca for personal achievement, high professional standards and exceptional performance of duties and in 1980 he received his third good conduct medal. On December 5, 1980 at the rank of AW1 E6 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington John retired with his honorable discharge.

Upon his retirement from the Navy John returned to Escanaba and worked part time as a desk clerk at Pioneer Motor Inn and as a Security Guard at Various Places.

He always got a sparkle in his eyes and a big smile seeing and tussling with his young nephews and nieces. John was a camera bug while in the military and loved to send pictures home of people and places that he had seen. He was a veracious reader about anything that had to do with the military and was very knowledgeable about military armaments, vehicles, planes, and ships. John always tried to keep things simple. If he didn't use it, or need it, he got rid of it. He would always try to maintain his independence and would never ask for help if it was needed.

John is survived by his mother: Evelyn Elie, one brother: Lawrence (Victoria) Elie, one sister: Mary Rose Ramsey, seven nephews, four nieces, ten great-nephews, fourteen great-nieces, one great great-nephew and five great great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father and an infant brother.

Honoring John Elie's wishes, he was cremated and his cremains will be honorably buried in the Veterans section at Gardens of Rest Cemetery. The Allo Coolman Funeral Home of Escanaba is assisting the Elie family.

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