John Robert Middleton's Obituary
John Robert Middleton, 80, went to be with
his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 15,
2013. He is reunited in heaven with his
loving wife of 59 years, Barbara Middleton.
His family and loved ones remember John
as a loving and dependable father,
grandfather and great-grandfather. His
friends affectionately called him "Bobby"
and all knew him as a man quick to
conversation and who made friends with
everyone he met.
John was born on March 26, 1933 in
Alabama to David and Rose Middleton. John
was the youngest of four brothers, David,
Fred, Ralph and Floyd. He grew up in
Shreveport, La. where his father worked on
a railroad, inspiring his lifelong love of
trains.
Barbara McCrae and John Middleton
married on April 22, 1951 in Shreveport, La.
He joined the U.S. Navy, but was discharged
within the year due to medical problems.
They later had two children, Walter and
Sharon, and the family moved from Bossier
City to Longview in 1964. John was a
territory salesman for Lee Dry Goods at that
time.
He purchased the Army Navy Store of
Longview in 1973. John and his son, Walter,
operated the store and opened two other
locations in Tyler and Longview. He retired
and handed the businesses over to Walter
in 2002.
John most enjoyed growing flowers and
maintaining an immaculate yard. He and
Barbara traveled all across the United
States in their motor home. They also
enjoyed spending holidays and celebrating
many occasions with their children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
They were both long-time members of
Oakland Heights Baptist Church. In recent
years, he still tended his flowers every day,
enjoyed playing cards and made many
friends in the Senior Circle at Longview
Regional Medical Center.
John is survived by his children, Walter
Middleton and his wife Kim Middleton and
Sharon Schwaderer and her husband Don
Schwaderer; five grandchildren, Brandon
Middleton and his wife Libby Middleton,
Miranda Middleton, Ashley Schwaderer,
Avery Schwaderer and Aaron Schwaderer
and his wife Jessica Schwaderer; and two
great-grandchildren, Audrey and Rachael
Middleton. He is preceded in death by his
wife, his brothers, parents and an infant
child, John Robert Jr.
Services to celebrate John's life will be
2 p.m. at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel
on Wednesday, June 19, 2013. Entombment
will follow a Rosewood Mausoleum. A visitation
with the family will be held at the funeral home
from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?