John David Bernard Sr, 89, of Toledo Bend in Hemphill, Texas was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 29, 2006. He was at Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He left behind his loving family and friends. He was born on March 25, 1917 in Port Neches, Texas. John proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean Conflict. He was a mustang Lt. Commander after 30 years of service. During his leadership he received many awards including Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Navy Occupation Service Medal, Victory Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal - Second Award. John also served as a Merchant Marine for 16 years.

Funeral services were held Monday, October 2, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at Levingston Funeral Home in Port Neches, Texas. Monsignor Kenneth Greig was officiating. A full military graveside service followed at Oak Bluff Memorial Park. Visitation was Sunday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home with a vigil service starting at 5:00 p.m.

John is survived by his loving wife of 20 years; Rebecca Jo Bernard of Hemphill, Texas, four sons: John David Bernard and wife, Roxanne of Pendleton, South Carolina, Steve Bernard and girlfriend, Deborah of Houston, Texas, Pat Bernard and wife, Barbara of Young Harris, Georgia, and Michael Bernard of Santa Fe, New Mexico, step-daughter Debra Lavender of Brookeland, Texas, step-son John Anderson, and wife, Kelly of Brookeland, Texas; John's loving  four sisters: Connie Landry of Port Neches, Texas, June Kondrup of Zachary, Louisanna, Eldora Jetun of Fort Worth, Texas, and Johnnie Lee Scott, and husband, Charles, of Groves, Texas; sixteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be greatly missed, and was loved by everyone who knew him.
 

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