March 27, 1926 - January 13, 2009

Devout husband, father, grandfather and decorated solider

On Tuesday January 13th in the city of Bellevue in the State of Washington, John Floyd Rachal passed away from complications of Alzheimer's, surrounded and supported by his loving family and friends, he was 82 years of age. Johnny is survived by his wife Mary Priscilla and four daughters Vera and husband Chris, Cecilia and husband Mike, Sheila and husband Mike, Carol and husband Norris their four sons John Floyd Jr. and wife Ann, Denis Benjamin, Thomas Scott and husband Clinton, Michael Ray and wife Elizabeth Roe. John is also survived by his three sisters Annabelle and husband Chuck, Ruby and Emma. John was proud of grandsons Thomas Floyd, John Jr. III, Mateo, Tome Jo, Michelangelo, Christopher, Tyler, Chaun, and Nicholas, his granddaughters Randi, Rose, Christina, Jacqueline, Faith, Sarah, Anaya, Rhoshanda, Takenya, & Mara his great grandchildren Eva and Andy, Kyra and Adiani, Jessica, Destinee, Pricilla, Jesenia, AJ, Nanci and Jonathan, Cynthia, Isaac, John Jr. IV, Dewayne and Mikel and great great grandchild Makiya Ro.

John is preceded in death by his son James Albert, his siblings Rowland, Martin, Marie Nola, Vera and Joseph who died right after birth, by his father John B. Rachal and his mother Enola Llorens Rachal. John was born in Melrose Louisiana on March 27, 1926. He moved to Los Angeles and married Mary Priscilla Conant on May 14, 1950 at St. Lawrence Church in Los Angeles. John worked in the dry cleaning business in Glendale, California until retirement in 1990. John and his wife Pricilla, moved to Bellevue, Washington in 1990 where they remained until his death.

John loved his family, fishing and often these two went hand in hand for him. John was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, participating in fundraisers with the organization often. John loved his country and so chose to fight in the Korean War where he was shot and earned his purple heart and a discharge from the Armed services. John was a devout Catholic.

FUNERAL INFORMATION

The Service will be held at St. Louise Parish Church in Bellevue at noon Saturday January 17th, 2009 at 133 156th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98007. Website is www.stlouiseschool.org 425-746-4220.

John's ashes will be interred at Queen of Haven Cemetery in Rowland Heights, CA sometime in February.

DONATIONS

Donations in John's memory may be made to any of the three organizations listed.

Strength for the Journey - Provides needed vacations to people living with AIDS Adelante - Providing low-income residents of León, Nicaragua with affordable English and computer literacy training Alzheimer's Association - Providing support and research for those suffering with Alzheimer's Disease.

Strength for the Journey - Please send donations to: c/o Tom Rachal, 11 Agawam Beach Road, Wareham, MA 02571-2401, 508-273-7060 Adelante - Please see website link noted below Alzheimer's Association - Please use the following website address: www.alz.org

Memorial

Just as the Wave Cannot Exist

Just as the wave cannot exist for itself, but is ever a part of the heaving surface of the ocean, so must I never live my life for itself, but always in the experience which is going on around me. It is an uncomfortable doctrine which the true ethics whisper into my ear. You are happy, they say; therefore you are called upon to give much.

Albert Schweitzer

For Those I Loved and Who Loved Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears...
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave to you my love.
You can only guess how much
you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
but now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It is only for awhile that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away.
For life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near...
And if you listen with your heart you'll hear...
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and
"Welcome Home."

Author Unknown