John Garrett Nowlin passed away surrounded by loved ones the evening of February 18th, 2023. His eyes closed, his heart played its final beat, and his pain disappeared. John’s life on this earth may be over, but his memory will never fade in the hundreds of people he loved, cared for, ministered to, and influenced through his example as a man of faith and through his direct impact in their lives.

John was born in Roscommon, Michigan December 20th, 1944 to Garrett Nowlin (deceased) and Lynna Nowlin née Cousineau (deceased). In the 1960's, the Nowlin family of Garrett, Lynna, John’s older sister Zoe and younger sister Kathy migrated from snowy Michigan to sunny southern Florida, where John went to High School in Pompano Beach, learned a trade from his father, and then enlisted in the Army.

John served honorably in the 101st Airborne, 1-327 C Company during the Vietnam war, where he met and formed special bonds with several fellow paratroopers that would last lifetimes. These friends formed a core group that founded an annual Cold Steel Cobras reunion in the 1980’s. The event continues to this day, growing to include 101st and other service members that have fought in additional conflicts and continue to serve today. These reunions provided an opportunity for men and women to gather, fellowship, and heal; sharing stories, trials and tribulations, and life experiences that have made a huge difference in veterans’ and veterans’ families’ lives.

John, like his dad and his Father, was a carpenter. He was a builder. John designed and built everything from dentist offices to libraries to homes and churches from the ground up. He took pride in his work and the support he provided to his family. John not only built structures, he built relationships. He was a talker! He loved to be outdoors hunting and fishing with friends and family. John was also a fisher of men, never passing up the chance to speak the gospel, even if it was through a PA system while barreling down the highway with a young John Paul in a 1972 Ford pickup.

John is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Dawn Hohl-Nowlin; his son and daughter-in-law, John Paul Nowlin and Dawn Nowlin (who he prayed for since John Paul was born) and their children, Jackson and Leila; his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Art Sounia and their children Karrie and Phil; his mother-in-law Sandra Hohl and father-in-law James Hohl (deceased); his brother- and sister-in-law Keith and Vicki Reimert and their children Zack, Tasha, and Trevor; and a host of cousins, nieces & nephews, and friends that will desperately miss his beaming smile, warmth, and wisdom. Above the Rest!

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, March 19th from 1:00pm - 5:00pm at:

             American Legion Post 72  -  345 Legion Drive, Warrenton, VA

Please bring your best stories to share as we remember the life of this extraordinary man.

Dress is casual.   RSVP's for attendance are appreciated.

Please direct any questions to Dawn Hohl-Nowlin at 540-333-3096

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Cobra Reunion made out to:

                 Donald Gilbert (Please note 'Cobra Reunion Donation' in the memo line)

                 725 Spotswood Drive

                  Evan, GA 30809

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