John Henry Midgett, 84, passed away at home with his wife and daughter at his side on Monday, May 17, 2004.

John was born on January 22, 1920 in Honeycreek Township in Crawford county, Illinois. John, with his brother and 5 sisters, attended a one room school in Robinson, Illinois. Following high school John traveled the country for a year before joining the navy at age 19. While in the navy, John met and married his life long sweetheart, Mildred Pat Stamm in July of 1942 in Hollywood, Florida. John attended flight school and eventually became a navy pilot. He was part of a utility squadron based in Shelton, Washington that served over seas. Later he became a flight instructor in Pensacola, Florida. John served at a variety of duty stations including Guam; Pensacola, Florida, Key West, Florida; Olathe, Kansas; and Chincoteague, Virginia before settling in San Diego, California in 1958. While in San Diego, John served as a test plot until he retired from the navy with 22 years of service. Following retirement from the navy, John worked, as an equipment specialist for the civil service until he retired at age 55.

John was a member of the San Diego wing of the Silver Eagles Association for a number of years. John was also a member of the Masonic lodge for 50 years. For the last several years he has been a regular attender at the First Baptist Church of Richland.

John and Pat raised a son and two daughters. John was a devoted husband to Pat for over 61 years.

He loved children, crossword puzzles, golf, gardening, baking and telling stories. He had a gift for gab in the true Midgett style and could hold his own with his 5 sisters. John had a keen sense of humor and a soft spot in his heart for children. His ready smile and warm embrace as he scooped up his grandchildren and adopted grandchildren will always be remembered.

John is now safe in the arms of Jesus, His Lord and Savior, and was not afraid to share with those around him about his faith. He had a sincere and sweet relationship with our Lord and it was a blessing to hear him pray.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his loving neighbors, our friends at the First Baptist church of Richland, the Hospice staff, especially to Sara and Julie and to ourfriend Linda Estes.

John was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Joseph Midgett; his mother, Orphia Cleonia Rich Midgett; his bother, Clarence David Midgett; his sisters, Helen Naomi Fatt, Cleo Irene Balwin, and Beulah Marie Midgett. John was also preceded by infant son, Patrick Henry Midgett.

John is survived by his loving wife Mildred Pat of West Richland; his sister and brother- in-law, Sarah Ione and Frank Kassner of Mount Vernon, Illinois; his sister and brother-in-law, Ruth Nadine and James Draper of Indianapolis, Illinois; his son, Ron Midgett of Westfield, New Jersey; Ron's fiancee, Cynthia Brighton; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Mark Blake of Kennewick, Washington; daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Tim Goodenough of Kingston, Washington. John is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 8 nieces and nephews, as well as several great nieces and nephews. John is also survived by daughter-in-law, Rose Marie Smith and son-in-law, Lance Thompson.

There will be viewing at Einan's Funeral Home on Sunday, May 23rd from noon to 8:00p.m. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens followed by a memorial service at 11:00a.m. at The First Baptist Church of Richland on Monday, May 24th.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to First Baptist Church of Richland or to Tri-cities Chaplaincy Hospice, 2108 W. Entiat Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336.