John Leslie Pearl

John Leslie Pearl age 93 passed away on February 7, 2023 at Hospice of Dayton in Ohio after a lengthy illness.

 

He was born September 2, 1929 in Scarbro WV. He was the son of Claude L And Hazel V Cantley Pearl.

 

He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. He was a parachute rigger while in the Air Force and served as a loadmaster while he served in the Air Force Reserves. He retired from Wright Patterson AFB, Fairborn, Ohio after 35 years. At the time of his retirement he served as the supervisor of the parachute/reupholstery shop. He was a lifelong bluegrass music enthusiast and attended many bluegrass festivals over the years. He enjoyed hunting as well as fishing on the New River. In retirement, he began a business making harnesses, tie down straps, and multi purpose bags primarily utilized by the mining, railroad, and rafting industries. He spent countless hours in his garage at his sewing machine making these items. One of his proudest accomplishments was when he produced and donated bags for the healthcare workers at multiple local hospitals during the Covid pandemic.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents Claude L and Hazel V Cantley Pearl, wife Rita Marie Drennen Pearl, and his son, John Michael Pearl.

 

His survivors include brother Robert L Pearl, daughters Ann M Schommer (Dave), Denise Pearl Lanning (James), sons Philip B Pearl (Mel), Patrick S Pearl (Eileen), and  James T Pearl (Lisa).  Grandchildren - Bonnie Pearl Garvin (Charlie), Amie Pearl Thomas (Tony), John A Pearl (Marina), Jamie Reyes Pearl, Caleb A Pearl, Lauren M Trainor, Karen M Schommer, Steve Schommer (Maggie), Shanna Ross (Kyle), Deidre Dominguez (Christopher), Patrick T Pearl (Sarah), Jacob D Pearl and eleven Great grandchildren.

 

A graveside memorial service is planned at Highlawn Cemetery on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests if desired, to make a contribution to the VA Hospital in Beckley, WV. The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to longtime caregivers Debbie, Sara, and family, as well as Mike, Kim and Ian, the best neighbors in the world.