Obituaries: John E. "Shine" Mowad, Sabine Parish M-300 Source: Sabine Index, Many, La., Mar 23, 1994 Submitted by: Carl Dilbeck carlrad@earthlink.net ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** John E. "Shine" Mowad (Photo) Death claimed John E. "Shine" Mowad of Many, on Friday, March 18, at 9:05 a.m., at Sabine Medical Center. Mowad, who had been ill for some time, was 69. Funeral services were held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, on Monday, March 21, at 11 a.m., with Msgr. Norman Buvens, and Father Kenneth Williams officiating. Burial, with full military honors, followed in the church cemetery. Members of the La. Army National Guard from NCO Academy, Region 6, at Camp Ball, were on hand to serve as honorary pallbearers, and honor Retired Sergeant Major Mowad with a 21 gun salute. Taps was played by Many High School bugler, Beth Springer, at the close of the graveside ceremonies. Serving as active pallbearers were Timmy Pearson, Freddie Grappe, George Davis, Luke Pearson, Mike Grappe, and Monte Davis. Hundreds of mourners filled the pews or St. John's Church Monday morning, to honor Mowad. During the funeral service, Retired Brig. General Kenneth Corley eulogized Mowad, praising him for his efforts with the local National Guard Unit. "He was a man whom we could depend on to get the job done", he stated. "We loved him as a man, a soldier, and as a friend." Mowad was a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard for 38 years. He and several other local men were responsible for originating the local unit, Det. 1 Co. A 3-156th Infantry (Mechanized) in Many in 1947. He became a charter member of the unit, and served as Administrative Supply Technician from 1947 to 1974, in Many. In 1974, Mowad was transferred to Fort Polk, where he became Production Manager, in charge of checking military vehicles. After ten years of service at Fort Polk, he retired in 1984, as a Sergeant Major - the highest enlisted rank. During his career, Mowad was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the La. Longevity Service Medal, and the La. Excellency Service Medal. He was also awarded the La. Emergency Service Medal for his efforts during Hurricane Betsy, and the Grambling Civil Disturbance; and the La. Service Cross. Mowad was honorably discharged, and began enjoying retirement. During his free time, he spent many hours fishing and gardening. Born on May 6, 1924, to Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Mowad, he grew up around his father's grocery store. Lee Grappe's Meat Market and Grocery, located nearby, provided young friends to play with, and in future years, a wife. On Sept. 25, 1943, Mowad married Bessie Grappe. They became the parents of a son, John E. Mowad Jr. Over the years, the family remained active in St. John's Catholic Church, where Mowad serves as an usher. After completing his education at Many High, where he was a basketball player, he worked at several different jobs. However, in early 1947, he found his niche - the La. Army National Guard. He devoted his life to the Guard, making it a fulltime career. The mark that Mowad made on the lives of young men in the National Guard, will forever be remembered. He set an example for all to look up to, and even in the last years, enjoyed the companionship of many who served under his administration. Survivors include his widow, Bessie Mowad of Many; a son, John E. Mowad of Many; a sister, Blanche Liberto of Alexandria; two brothers, Joe Mowad of Many, and Nolan Mowad of Alexandria; two grandchildren, Michael Mowad, and Mary Murphy, both of Many; one great grandchild, Bailey Murphy; and numerous nieces and nephews.