John M. Calhoun

Brigadier General John M. Calhoun died January 21, 2012. A native of Athens, Tn., he was a veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. General Calhoun joined the Tennessee National Guard in 1938 and was activated into Federal duty with The 117th Infantry, 30th Infantry Division in September, 1940. He attended Officer Training School and was commissioned in 1942. He was sent to Europe and served as a Company Commander during the five major western European campaigns. Gen. Calhoun was awarded the Bronze Star with two clusters for valor. He was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and The Purple Heart, with 2 clusters, for wounds received in combat. Additionally, his unit was awarded the French Fourragere Military Medal. General Calhoun re-entered the Tennessee National Guard and was called to active duty during the Korean Conflict being honorably discharged as a Lt. Colonel. He was awarded the Legion of Merit. General Calhoun again re-entered the Tennessee Army National Guard and attended Fort Leavenworth Commander and General Staff College. His last assignment was that of Commanding General, 30th Armored Division comprised of 15,000 National Guardsmen from Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. General Calhoun graduated from Tennessee Wesleyan College, Athens, Tennessee and obtained his Master's Degree from the University of Tennessee. Following and during his military career, he was appointed to the United States Probation and Parole Office. At the time of his retirement, he was Supervising Officer of the Knoxville and Greeneville Offices. He was a member of Bearden United Methodist Church. General Calhoun was preceded in death by his parents Martin Roy and Lula Mae Calhoun of Athens, TN; sister, Jewell C. Wright; and brother-in-law, Mitchell Wright. He is survived by his loving wife, Sue. R Calhoun; daughters and sons in law, Sara Calhoun Simpson and husband Ben of Morristown, TN and Ellen Calhoun Lawson and husband Robby of Knoxville; grandchildren, Benjamin E. Simpson, III of Nashville, TN, John Mark Simpson of Knoxville, John Keith Lawson of Knoxville, and Alex Lee Lawson of Knoxville; sister, Lola C. Scott of Athens; sister in law, Alice R. Cooke of Athens, TN; special nephew, Col. James R. Miller and wife Sissy of Franklin, TN; special nieces, Ann Davis of Athens, TN, Sarah Scott of Ashford, WA, and Mary Cooke of Acworth, GA. He was loved by his dear nieces and nephews. Special thanks is extended to the Staff of Ben Atchley State Veterans Home for their love and care. A funeral service honoring General Calhoun's life will be held 2:00 pm Tuesday at Bearden United Methodist Church with Rev. Michael G. Sluder officiating. Entombment to follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Honors presented by the Army National Guard. Memorials may be made to: Bearden United Methodist Church, Friends of the 278th, P.O. Box 30804, Knoxville, TN 37930 or Honor Air Knoxville, 7536 Taggart Lane, Knoxville, TN 37938. The family will receive friends from 12:30 – 2:00 pm Tuesday at Bearden United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

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John M. Calhoun

January 21, 2012