SMSgt John Gale Demory, USAF retired,  81, passed away unexpectedly in his Florida home on May 13th, 2022.   John was a decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War and spent 25 years on active duty.

"Johnny" was born on June 18th, 1940 in Shepherdstown, WV.    He grew up on a dairy farm  with aunts, uncles, and his grandmother, Irene Mabel Moler Demory.    During his days at Shepherdstown High School, he enjoyed playing many musical instruments in the marching band.    John joined the Air Force and went on to serve in the Vietnam War.    After 25 years of service and an honorable discharge,  he volunteered an additional 25 years at the Dover Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover AFB, Delaware.   He had a passion for restoring vintage aircraft such as the KC97 and CG-4A glider and serving as a Museum Tour Guide.   His creativity and ingenuity made him a valuable member of the volunteer staff, but his sense of humor and knack for practical jokes made him one of a kind, on and off the job.   When he wasn't tinkering with his aircraft or messing around with friends down at the museum, John enjoyed woodworking, hunting, snowmobiling, and watching old western movies.    

John did his best as a single dad, providing consistent stability all his days.   He spent his final years living with his daughter, son in law, and grandchildren in Florida.   Continuing the adventure, he did things he probably never expected to do such as attending church, traveling, celebrating holidays, and hanging out with the grandkids.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Marguerite  (Austin) Huffer of Middletown MD, three uncles, four aunts, and step-daughter Kathy Gainey Jackson of Las Vegas, NV.   He is survived by his best friend and brother, Ronald (Zoann) Huffer of Jefferson, MD,  sister Kathy (Gerald) Lewis of Myersville, MD, and one aunt, Rebecca (Arthur) Prather of Orlando, FL.   Additionally, John leaves behind his daughter, Kristin Demory (Scotty) Anderson, of Seffner, FL: four grandchildren, Brian, Kenzie, Kloe, and  Kaci Anderson (Marco) Pegueros, and one great-grandson, Jeremiah, all living in Florida.   Further survivors include step-son Leo Gainey of Boron, CA, step-son Keith (Robin) Gainey of Tehachapi, CA, and step-daughter Kerry Keys of Nauvoo, AL.  

A memorial service will be held in Brandon, FL on June 12, 1pm, at Beit Tehila Congregation, 1705 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.   A celebration of John's life will take place at the Air Mobility Command Museum, Dover, DE on Monday, June 27, and internment will take place at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Bear, DE on June 28, 2022 at 11am.

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