MATTAPOISETT - John Fred Fearing III, age 97, of Mattapoisett, passed from this life on July 31, 2024, at home by the side of his beloved wife, Lucy (Maxim) Fearing. John was born on February 28, 1927 in Wareham, the son of John Fred Fearing and Marjorie L. (Tripp) Fearing. He attended Wareham schools through ninth grade, at which time he enlisted in the Navy. John married Lucy Maxim on July 19, 1947 and they had three children. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Dale Edward Fearing; a brother, Byron Fearing; and four sisters, Beverly Hoffler, Gleasia Yoder, Barbara Lavine, and Dorothy Eldridge. He was survived, briefly, by his beloved wife of 77 years. He is survived by two daughters, Doris E. Bohuslavicky of Paden, Oklahoma; and Harlene L. (David Mark) Simpson of Houston, Texas; one brother, Leslie (Deanne) Fearing of Wareham; and two sisters, Gertrude Alley of Florida; and Marjorie (Wayne) Cooper of Michigan; seven grandchildren, Stacy Dee Vrba, of Katy, Texas; Timothy Simpson of Louisa, Virginia; Brian Simpson and Matthew Simpson of Houston, Texas; Kaylen (Christopher) Simpson- Porto of Lenexa, Kansas; Erik Fearing (Erik Gullard) of Malden; and Amy (Sean) Cutting of Wood River Junction, Rhode Island; as well as seven great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

In October 1944, John enlisted and served in the United States Navy Seabees during World War II. He served on the USS Topeka, and the USS Fall River until he was honorably discharged in 1949 and returned to Wareham. John remained in the inactive ready reserves and was called back to the Navy in 1951 during the Korean War. He was assigned to the submarine tender, USS Nereus until he was honorably discharged in 1954. He earned three medals during his service. John received his honorary high school diploma during the graduation ceremony at Wareham High School in June of 2021. In addition to his diploma, John was given a citation from Governor Charlie Baker in recognition of his military service and diploma. John was an auto body repair specialist for many years, starting at Suddard’s Ford in Wareham and retiring from Cannon Buick in Middleboro. After retiring John and Lucy enjoyed traveling across the country, seeing the sights and visiting their children and grandchildren. John loved dancing with his beautiful wife, Lucy. As anyone who knew them can tell you, if there was a Saturday night dance somewhere, they would be there. They were also spotted dancing in their kitchen on their 75th wedding anniversary! Through the years John enjoyed bowling, collecting model cars, and collecting buffalo memorabilia. John served as Major of the Wareham Minute Men and Militia. He served as a Grand Marshall at the dedication of the Hero’s Circle Monument in Bourne, and was a Grand Marshall of Wareham’s 2023 Veteran’s Day Parade. He participated in Wareham’s Historical Society, the town of Wareham’s anniversary celebrations, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, and other patriotic ceremonies. John was an active member of the American Legion Post 220 in Wareham for 64 years and a member of the 40 & 8 for 53 years. John was a Master Mason and member of Social Harmony Lodge for 56 years and a former Advisor of Unity Chapter Order of DeMolay in Wareham. In his later years on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, John drove to the Dunkin Donuts where he joined his nephew and buddies for coffee and a donut, swapping stories and telling tales. He always enjoyed a good joke! And he always remembered to take a donut and coffee home to his wife, Lucy.

The family is planning a celebration of life for John and Lucy in June of 2025.

Arrangements by Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham. To leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com