John Alton Mcfarland

John Alton McFarland July 21, 1947 - April 3, 2007 John Alton McFarland of Waco passed away Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 6, at Temple Rodef Sholom with the Rabbi Mordecai Rotem officiating. Graveside service and burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple, TX. with Rev. Temple Diehl, officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. John was born July 21, 1947 in Temple to Charles and Mildred McFarland. During his early years he was a Cub, Boy and Explorer Scout and in the Order of DeMolay. John graduated from Temple High School in 1965 and from Baylor University with a BA and MA. After graduating from Baylor he served in the US Marine Corps. In 1974 John and Katherine were married and remarkably, except for one day, they were with each other every day since the day they met, on June 16, 1973. He was a member of Temple Rodef Sholom of Waco; Past Worshipful Master of the James H. Lockwood Lodge #1343 AF Waco Scottish Rite Bodies; Karem Shrine Highlander Bagpipe Band and Legion of Honor; and Texas State Teachers Association. While in TSTA, he was president of the local and regional association and a member of the state board. John was a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. He was a member of two square dance clubs at Allemande Hall, Tae Kwon Do-Black Belt, Stonhenj Players, Celtix Bagpipe Band and the McFarland Clan Society. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; daughters, Lea Sanders and husband, Travis; Melissa McFarland and Danny Dees; Nicole McFarland and husband, Jake Lawson. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Cameron Steele, Mathew Dees and Katryna Jade Lawson; nephews, Michael and Chris McFarland and mother-in-law, Marianne Rose. Pallbearers are Chris McFarland, Michael McFarland, James Hill, Jason Diehl, Dave Hamilton and Freddy Lopez. Honorary pallbearers are Tom Hoherd, Jake Lawson, Travis Sanders and Danny Dees. Memorial may be made to Shriners Hospital. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey