John William Berlin
John William Berlin
May 16, 1948 — September 5, 2017
John William Berlin, 69, of Marble Falls, Texas, passed away with family by his side on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2017. John was born in Monroe County, Missouri, on May 16, 1948, to Clyde and Gladys Berlin, the sixth of eight children. He graduated from Monroe City High School in 1966, where he competed in football and track.
In 1970, he joined the U.S. Army as part of the 101st Airborne, working as a flight control specialist on Chinook helicopters. Consequently, he served in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972, where he was exposed daily to Agent Orange, which would eventually lead to multiple myeloma and several health conditions later in his life.
John met his wife, Mary, on Sept. 4, 1971, outside an ice cream shop in Monroe City, just one month before he left for Vietnam. Upon his return, the couple married June 30, 1973, and remained together for 44 years until his death. They spent the beginning of their marriage in Longview, Texas, where John began to learn the pool and spa business, and quickly became co-owner of a swimming pool company. In 1981, John graduated from Kilgore Junior College with an Associate of Applied Arts degree in Business Management.
However, most of John and Mary’s years were spent in Marble Falls in a home they built together with their two daughters and dog Bandit. John used what he learned to build a thriving pool business in the area until his retirement. He enjoyed walking his dog, cycling, kayaking, rock collecting, taking pictures on his trips, and traveling with his wife.
John is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Sheila and Laura; his son John II; four grandchildren, Nichole, Jared, Vivian, and Asa; five siblings, Floyd, Harold, Carol, Wesley, and Joe; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Gladys; sister, Sheila; brother, Herman; and grandson, Jesse.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Marble Falls on Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow inside the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans at dav.org or the First United Methodist Church c/o the Music Department, 1101 Blue Bonnet Drive, Marble Falls, TX 78654, as well as online through their E-Giving service at fumcmarblefalls.com.
At his request, John’s ashes will be spread on Grouse Mountain, Wyoming, along with those of his beloved dog, Bandit. This was a favorite place of his to enjoy nature and time with close friends.
