John Dewerth

Major John Patrick DeWerth (USAFR RET), 73, of Boiling Springs, SC, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Born June 22, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI, he has lived in Boiling Springs for 41 years and called it home. He was very active in life and served his community, his faith, and his country. He brought his love of Scouting to the local community where he served as a Cub Scout Pack Master for three years and then served as Scoutmaster of Troop 350 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Spartanburg from 1977 to 1992. As a charter member of the Diocese of Charleston Catholic Committee on Scouting since its inception in 2004, he served as a staff member for all Catholic Scouting events thereafter. He held multiple Boy Scout leadership positions over the years to include unit commissioner, counselor, and commissioner at Camp Bob Hardin summer camp for 13 years, as well as other positions. His contributions to Scouting were honored by the Palmetto Council in 1997 where he was awarded the Silver Beaver, the highest level of recognition given to volunteers at the council level. Additionally, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus for the past 55 years as well as a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians for the past three years, where he served as the treasurer. An amateur radio operator, he held the call sign KC4QAC and was active with other radio amateurs in the local area. He retired from Hoechst-Celanese after 26 years of service and retired from the United States Air Force Reserves after 28 years of service. Mr. DeWerth was a loving husband; a giving, cherished father; and a friend to many who will truly miss his presence. He is survived his wife of 48 years, Judith (Judy) Kay McCracken; a daughter, Michele DeWerth; two sons, Scot DeWerth (Elizabeth) and Eric DeWerth; two grandsons, Alexander and Brendan; one granddaughter, Theresa; sisters, Patricia DeWerth Corbett (Michael) and Mary DeWerth Gatenby; brothers, Robert and Tom DeWerth; nephews, Justin Corbett and Ryan Gatenby; and niece, Katherine Gatenby. He is predeceased by his parents, Dr. John H. and Bernice Hayett DeWerth, and a brother, William (Billy) DeWerth. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Monday, May 13, 2013, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church, conducted by Fr. Timothy M. Gahan and Deacon Bob Mahaffey. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church Building Fund, 161 North Dean Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 or to Boy Scouts of America, Palmetto Council, 420 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John P. DeWerth please visit our Sympathy Store.