Roll Call Tribute

Murphy Funeral Homes obituary
4510 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22203 | 703-920-4800

John Robert Lauderdale
November 25, 1926 - August 29, 2016

Visitation
Friday, September 02, 2016 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Murphy Funeral Home
4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203 | (703) 920-4800
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Graveside Service
Friday, September 02, 2016 | 02:30 p.m.
Columbia Gardens
3411 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201 | (703) 527-7774
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John Robert Lauderdale, loving father and faithful friend, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 89 on 29 August 2016 in Arlington VA.
He was born in Hearne, Texas on 25 November 2016. Little is known about his early life. His recorded statements relate tales of bear wrestling with Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie; but, these may not be reliable.
His family moved frequently as his father served in the military and worked the oil fields of Texas. He graduated from High School in Anahuac, Texas, and attended Texas A&M prior to being drafted in 1944. After serving in the Pacific, he returned to Texas A&M and graduated in 1949. Upon graduation, he worked as an engineer before beginning a career in the US Army. COL Lauderdale is a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, and served with distinction in assignments around the world, culminating with his assignment to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces. He was described by those who served with him as a gentleman soldier of the highest character and integrity with a reputation for excellence in every endeavor.
John Lauderdale retired from the US Army in 1981 with over 25 years of service. He earned the Defense Superior Service Medal and four Legion of Merit Awards.
John Lauderdale was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia Lee Chambliss Lauderdale, to whom he was married for 57 years. Pat Lauderdale passed away in 2009. They were survived by their two sons Randall Craig Lauderdale and Robert Lee Lauderdale.
His civilian career after retirement included working in the energy field with his long-time business partner and friend Rohini Mattu at Sher Technologies and at SAIC in the nuclear power division.
A visitation will be held on Friday 2 September 2016 at Murphy's Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203 from 12-2 pm, followed by internment with military honors at 2:30 pm at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington, VA 22201.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Capitol Caring Hospice in Falls Church, VA. Donations may be sent to Capitol Caring Hospice, Resource Development Department, 2900 Telestar Ct., Falls Church, VA 22042.