John Joseph Urban

John Joseph Urban, 87, of Paragould died on January 23, 2012 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center.

John was born February 2, 1924 in Bellwood, Nebraska. He had a very successful career in the US Navy, where he spent over 30 years and received many awards. While in the Navy he received three letters of commendation, one award for Supply work on the NAS St. Louis, one award for repair of damaged main deck on USS Samuel N. Moore D. D. 747, one for Supply Work on USS New Orleans L.P.H 11, seven Good Conduct Awards, Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for Defense of Philippine Island, European Service Medal with Two Battle Stars, Asia Service Medal with Ten Battle Stars, National Defense Service Medal, and Japan Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. While serving on the USS Fitch DD 462 they invaded Africa. Also, while serving in the Navy he was assigned shore duty in Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Philippine, Japan, Africa, and Spitsbergen. While serving on the USS New Orleans LPH-11 he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and served as an acting Division Officer for a year. He was a very active VFW member where he served in various positions on the board. He was inducted into the Arkansas Bowling Hall of Fame, and he had been a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dennis Urban.

Survivors include his wife Joyce; seven daughters, Katherine Patterson, Joann Urban, Julia Deibert, Sherry Troidl, Brenda Ternello, Joy Morris, and Linda Trinidad; four sons, Larry Davis, Jim Davis, Danny Davis, and David Baker, 44 grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services will be at 2p.m. on Thursday at Linwood Cemetery with military honors and Father Mike Sinkler officiating. Emerson Funeral Home will be in charge of all arrangements.

Visitation will be Thursday morning from 10-noon at Emerson Funeral Home.

Online Registry: www.emersonfuneralhome.com