John William McGlown, age 87 years but timeless, of Montevallo died at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2006 after an extended illness, his family and loved ones at his side.

John was born Aug. 2, 1919 in Lanett, the second child to the late Eddie Jackson and Bernice Yates McGlown. He grew up in Lanett and was educated in the Lanett Public School System.

He served in the 8th Air Force of the U.S. Army from January 1942 until October 1945. A member of the Army Air Force Stations 587 and 550 in Thetford, England and Edinburgh, Scotland, and the 695th Ordinance Company, he served in the European Theatre and was stationed in the United Kingdom, France and Belgium. He was among the first ashore at Omaha Beach during the D-Day invasion in June 1944, for which the Country of France recognized him with the Medal of the Jubilee of Liberty in November 2001.

Five other service decorations were bestowed. He arrived back in the U.S. in August 1945, being honorably discharged in October of that year.

On his return, he married the love of his life, Kathlyn Jane Cooke, on Aug. 18th, 1945. He worked his way through college, graduating with a bachelor of science in Business Administration from the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, in 1949.

He worked for 25 years for Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Alabama, starting as a staff accountant, eventually to lead the financial division of the company. He headed the committee, which selected Riverchase as the site of the corporation&8217;s relocation and future growth, retiring from the company in 1981. He and Kathlyn were active members of the Trailblazers, the retirees group, until her illness in the early 1990&8217;s.

John was a quiet, gentle, incredibly intelligent man. He had an even temperament and captivating sense of humor. He loved working in his yard and workshop. His hobbies included reading about WWII, discovering his Scottish heritage and music. He enjoyed playing guitar and in addition to singing well, his whistle was crystal clear and melodious. Throughout his life he was an avid Auburn football fan. Above all, he most valued his family, God and the freedoms of living in the USA that were so hard won. He was a true patriot.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McGlown is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years; his brother, Eddie B. McGlown of West Point, Ga. and sister Ruby Voss of Atlanta. He is survived by two daughters, Susan McGlown Godwin and K. Joanne McGlown (James

Self);

two grand-daughters, Tara Brantley (Robert) and Anna Karina Godwin; two step-grand-daughters, Catalina and Jennifer Self, and one &8220;sweetie-pie&8221; of a 6 year old great grand-daughter, Karina Brantley.

He is also survived by his sisters and brother: Margaret Adkins (Montgomery, AL), Mary Sue Smith of Huguley, Robert McGlown of Mobile, and Daisy McClure of Valley.

A public memorial service to celebrate the rejoining of John with his wife Kathlyn will be held Oct. 7, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Montevallo. Reverend Richard (Buddy) Freeman will lead the service. A private family celebration of their lives will be held later this month in the Chapel at Callaway Gardens, Ga.

Burial will be postponed until the building and completion of the new National Military Cemetery in Montevallo where both John and Kathlyn will finally rest, with the full military recognition and honors they both so richly deserve.

The family would like to thank the nurses from New Beacon Hospice, Cynthia Nichols, and our church family for their continuous support. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The First United Methodist Church of Montevallo where they will support the works of a very gracious and giving congregation and church family