John Barcus DuBose's Obituary
John Barcus DuBose died February 18, 2004 at the age of 84 after a brief illness. He was born Sept 4th, 1919 in Waxahachie, TX to Edwin Anthony and Francis Barcus DuBose, both of whom were descendants of early Texas families. He spent his boyhood in San Antonio and went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering from TX A&M University in 1941 before entering the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant. In WWII he served with distinction in the European Theater of Operations, commanding a battery of artillery; seeing extensive action in the Rhineland and the Ardenne campaigns. He rose to the rank of Major before leaving active service in 1946. Just before going overseas, after a brief wartime courtship, he married Bertha Keller, with whom he happily shared the next 60 years. Immediately after the war, they lived in Beaumont, TX, where he worked as chief chemist of Firestone Tire and Rubber Co.
John and Bertha moved to Longview in 1949. He worked for a time as branch manager of Big 3 Welding and Equipment Co. before starting his own firm, DuBose Equipment Co. in 1964. From that time until the onset of his final illness, he managed his company with care and devotion. In many respects, the business and its employees came second only to his family in his affections.
For over 5 decades, J.B. DuBose was active in the life of his community. He was a Rotarian, serving as Chapter President in the mid-1980s. He was a member of First Methodist Church Clyde Hall class. He was, at different times, a scoutmaster, Sunday school teacher, little league coach, a member of Pine Crest Country Club, and a charter member of the Longfellow?s Society.
Throughout his life John Barcus DuBose was reverent, generous, and brave. Those of us who knew and loved him will mourn his passing. We also possess the certain knowledge that his was a long life well lived and that he, like Job of the Bible, ?Died an old man, and full of days.?Memorial services will be held at Two O'clock p.m. Saturday February 21, 2004 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dan Miller and Reverend Bill Cunningham officating under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
He is survived by wife Bertha; sons Dr. J.B. DuBose II and wife Madge, Dr. R. K. DuBose and wife Cora, all of Houston; brother James S. DuBose and wife Joy, of Ft. Worth; grandchildren Keller and Arielle; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and grateful associates. He was predeceased by brother William S. DuBose and very recently by brother Edwin Anthony DuBose III, both of Ft. Worth.
In leiu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
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