John Madison Cardwell

John Madison Cardwell was born Sept. 25, 1924, to Gus Withers Cardwell and Betty Matthews Cardwell in Lockhart, Texas.

John graduated from Lockhart High School and Texas A&M University. His education was interrupted when he joined the U.S Marine Corps during WWII. He served as an aerial gunner with a dive bomber squadron, Marine Air Group 13, 4th Marine Air Wing. He had

Central Pacific Duty May 1944 to July 1945. He was awarded the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

After the war John returned to A&M to receive a Bachelor of Arts in Agricultural Education. When he graduated he worked as an instructor for The Luling Foundation Ag School for Veterans.

Later, he joined the faculty of Lockhart High School where he taught VO Ag for 35 years. He was honored for his contribution in the implementation and success of the Caldwell County Livestock Show and for distinguished service to the Future Farmers of America. After his retirement he was a full-time rancher. Along with his son, he developed the Oak Trails Subdivision.

John was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lockhart and the American Legion. Also, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years and was their club president in 1960. He was a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Polonia Water Corps, and a member of the Texas S W Cattle Raisers Association. In 2000 he was named Agribusinessman of the Year by the Lockhart Chamber of Commerce.

His special loves were his family, his cows and his tractor. Also, his many friends from all walks of life.

Heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful people at Oak Creek Nursing and Rehab in Luling and CTMC hospice.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mark Madison Cardwell; granddaughter, Sky Ann Cardwell; brother, Gus Calhoun “Boots” Cardwell; and his sister, Betty Bowden.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dolores; daughter-in-law, Ann Cardwell; grandson, Travis M. Cardwell and wife, Yumi, of Tokyo Japan; son-in-law, Rick Vees; and also a number of nephews and nieces.

Family received friends at McCurdy Funeral Home, from 5 – 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart, with the Rev. Don Duvall officiating.

Arrangements under the care and guidance of McCurdy Funeral Home, 105 E. Pecan, Lockhart, Texas 78644, (512) 398-4791.