John Franklin McFarlin

John Franklin McFarlin has been called to his heavenly home on March 7, 2025, at the age of 91.

John was born on February 15, 1934, in Valley View, Texas, to Jesse Sewell McFarlin and Mattie Lou Ella Bearden. He graduated from Trimble Tech High School, going on to work at the Coca Cola Bottling Company, and for General Motors, where he retired after 30 years as a repair line maintenance tech. John married Billie June Finch on October 31, 1953, at the Rosemont Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas. Celebrating his 70th and 71st wedding anniversary with his wife, Billie, were two of his most treasured accomplishments.

He was a licensed barber, and a preacher for over 50 years, and he had a special interest in foot reflexology. He worked as the Chaplain for the General Motors Retiree UAW 276 for many years, and worked at Camp Bandera Senior's Camp, as well as volunteering at several nursing homes where he preached and sang to the residents twice a month. He was most recognized by many in his red suit spreading God's word. He went to Brown Trail Preacher's School, was a song leader, and a Deacon at Carter Park Church of Christ, and a Minister at his home church, Flamingo Rd Church of Christ in Forest Hill, Texas. He treasured every baptism he participated in, and his dedication to helping those in need by participating in Toys for Tots drives and offering to gather clothes from a closing garage sale, taking them to the church, and giving them away to those who needed them most. He loved going to family get-togethers and family reunions. Fishing and watching his grandkids and great-grandkids play their sports and their special events were some of his favorite ways to spend time.

John proudly served in the US Air Force as a Staff Sergeant from 1953 to 1957. He went through basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and was stationed at Sandia Crest Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

John was welcomed with open arms into Heaven by his parents, Jesse and Ella McFarlin; his son, Howard Franklin McFarlin; his brothers, George, Jake, and Ollis; his sisters, Dorothy, Jessie "Shoug", Cornelia "Cutie", and his twin sister, Jeanie.

Those left to cherish John's memory are his wife of over 71 years, Billie McFarlin; his children, Cheryl and Eldon Self, Shawn and Terry Gresham, Dennis and Debbie McFarlin; his grandchildren, Michael and Hannah Self, Stephen and Whitney Self, John D. and Jessica McFarlin, Tess McFarlin and Drew B., William and Jessica McFarlin, Cortney and Dustin Edwards, Jeff and Stephani Gresham, Garrett and Cody Gresham; his great-grandchildren, Hannah Kness, Cameran Bilderback, Michael Self, Hayes Self, Rhett Self, Teagan Self, Kinsler Self, Brynleigh McFarlin, Bryson McFarlin, Connor Gresham, Journey Edwards, Ryot Edwards, and Lyla McFarlin; along with many nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews, family, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John's honor to one of these charities:

Meals on Wheels | Donate

Christ's Haven Children's Home | Donate

Foster's Home for Children | Donate