John Lewis Futch

Born to Lewis and Daisy Futch on September 13, 1924, in the community of Forest in Cherokee County, Texas, John Lewis Futch died at age 89 in Lufkin on March 28, 2014 following a lingering illness. A private graveside celebration of his life was held at Whitehouse Cemetery with his immediate family in attendance, in accordance with his wishes.

He is survived by his wife, Oma Futch, his son Johnny (Pat), and his two daughters, Joan (Lyle Witherell) and Jan (Walter). He had three grandchildren, Robin, Randy and Renda (Wes Miller). His five great-grandchildren are Blake Ponson, Lincoln Miller, Lexington Miller, Lochren Miller, and Loxleigh Miller.

Mr. Futch was a founding member of Trinity Baptist Church of Lufkin. He began Futch Signs in 1947, and he also started Futch Crane Service, which followed later. He was a gifted and creative graphic artist who excelled in designing sign layouts and implementing them for local businesses. He was one of the last sign painters who masterfully hand-lettered each job he created, and he also taught himself to bend and blow neon tubing. He was a 1942 graduate of Lufkin High School, where he was a member of the Panther Band. In addition, Mr. Futch was a veteran of World War II, having honorably served his country in the United States Navy under Admiral Chester Nimitz as a member of an amphibious rescue unit in the South Pacific. Except for his time in military service, Mr. Futch lived his entire life in Lufkin.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors