John T. Delawder III, 71, of Galesburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 7:05 a.m. Thursday, February 18, 2016 in OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth, Illinois.
He was born November 19, 1944 in Galesburg, the son of John T. and Rosaleen (Dahler) Delawder Jr. He married Linda Thompson on November 28, 1971 in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; two sons, Scott Delawder of Galesburg and Eric Delawder of Bonita Springs, Florida; a brother, David (and Rita) Delawder of Godfrey, Illinois; and a sister, Ann (and Rick) Larson of East Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents.
John graduated from Galesburg High School in 1963. He served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1969, where he was stationed in Germany. During that time, he played his trombone in over 23 countries. Upon returning to Galesburg, he attended Carl Sandburg College, where he earned an associate’s degree in 1971. He went on to Knox College, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1973. John started his teaching career at Winola Junior High School in New Windsor in 1973. He worked during this time on his master’s degree and Ed.S. from Western Illinois University. After earning the degree in 1977, he returned to Galesburg to begin a long career with District 205. He worked over the years as a teacher, principal, assistant principal, dean of students. During his years in teaching and administration, he earned his Ph.D. in 1998. The final years of his career in education were spent as Assistant Regional Superintendent of Schools. He retired in 2009.
Outside of his career, John was active with the Knox-Sandburg College Community Band, Knox Symphony, Carl Sandburg College Pep Band, and the Regional Teachers’ Institute Band. He composed the Carl Sandburg College School Song. He attended Crosswalk Chapel in Pekin, Illinois. He also enjoyed canoeing, tennis, golf, racquetball, computers, and computer education. John had been a coach with the YMCA, soccer, tee ball, softball, and flag football.
Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel with Pastor Mark Bassen officiating. Military honors will be offered at the funeral home following the funeral. Private family burial will follow in the Roseville Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to The Knox County Sheriff’s Department Shop With A Cop Children’s Program, Crosswalk Chapel, or Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
