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John Cawood Obituary
John graduated from East Stone Gap High School in Virginia and Milligan College in Tennessee. He married the love of his life, Gretchen G. Herald, on August 27, 1961 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
John was able to turn a childhood love of airplanes into a life long journey associated with aviation. After 21 years of service including time in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and earning multiple commendations, he retired in 1973. Following retirement he continued to follow his love of aviation down many paths ending with towing gliders at the United States Air Force Academy.
He was a resident of Colorado Springs for 45 years and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen, the Order of Daedalians, and the Pikemasters Model Railroad Club. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a docent for the Peterson Air and Space Museum. He faithfully attended reunion events for the 90th Bomb Squadron of which he was a part in the Korean War.
John is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Gretchen G. Cawood; son, Greg H. (Sarah) Cawood; daughter, Jonni Carol Cawood; two brothers, Clayton P. (Marcella) Cawood and Carl G. (Sharman) Cawood; sister, Gail (John) Wolfe; and 2 grandchildren, Emma Huckle and Noah Cawood. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, William L. and Sue Cawood.
John's strong but quiet spirit touched the hearts of many and he was loved by all who knew him. His family loved him dearly and will forever miss his quick wit, hearty laugh, infectious smile, tender heart and loving support. Oh yeah, and his banjo playing too!
A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Shrine of Remembrance "America the Beautiful" Chapel in Colorado Springs.
Memorial contributions may be made in John's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, the Alzheimer's Association or the Peterson Air and Space Museum Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cawood
Terry & Heather Galbreath
April 23, 2019
Scottie Clyde Galbreath also passed this year, and we are sure John was there to welcome him across the Rainbow Bridge. Another mighty Scottie, Dougal, was rescued for Kelly's mate and Kelly, Terry and Heather all love him and he has found a home at the Bonny Burn Ranch. We know John and Clyde are watching and waiting for us to join him. John - enjoy all of those of the Scottie race there with you - we all miss you terribly.
Jeffrey Nash
May 1, 2016
Cawood Family, please accept my most sincere condolences on John's loss. I had the honor and priviledge of working with John in my job as one of the paid staff of the Peterson Museum. Whenever John had a story or an experience to relate, I always took the time to stop and listen. No matter how busy or stressed I was. Because his stories always came with a life lesson worth learning. Fly west, Junior Birdman, and I hope to see you again someday.
Bobbi Good
May 1, 2016
It is always hard to say goodbye to a dear family friend, but,say it I must. I've known John for more than 50 years. As a kid to me he was Maj. Cawood and it wasn't until becoming an adult was I comfortable in calling him John, even then it felt weird. Seemed wherever the Cawoods went, so did the Goods, funny how military life was. Lots of happy family memories I'll see you again some day. Be sure to have a blender full of "Pinkies" ready!!! :)You and Mom play nice. Bye John
Mary Dantzler
April 30, 2016
My prayers are with you and your family, Jonni. You all were great neighbors to my Mom (Nancy Young) for many years. May God be a comfort to you in this difficult time.
Richard& Tommie Weatherly
April 30, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Jonni Carol
Kelly & Clyde Galbreath
April 29, 2016
John was always a friend and admirer of our race, and we will meet him again at the Rainbow Bridge.
Terry & Heather Galbreath
April 29, 2016
John was the epitome of the "Hail Fellow Well Met". We've knew him for only 15 years - and that seems far to short of time together with such a wonderful person. We will never forget John, and the friendship he gave so warmly and openly.
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Memorial Events
for John Cawood
Funeral services provided by:
Shrine of Remembrance1730 East Fountain Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80910
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