John W. Gilchrist, IV December 3, 1945 – September 3, 2016

It is with heavy hearts that the family and friends of John W. Gilchrist, IV announce his passing on September 3, 2016. He brought joy and enrichment to all who knew him and he will be dearly missed by all.

John was born in Memphis, Tennessee where he spent the first few years of his life. His parents were John Weir Gilchrist, III and Tarquine Lucille Patrica Markle. A sister, Mariann E. Gilchrist, was born four years later, February 25, 1949. In 1955, the family moved to Atlanta, GA. A year later, the family transferred to Dallas where John graduated from St. Monica High School. He then attended the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas for 4 years, graduating in 1963. He then attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where he graduated in 1969 with degrees in International Business Administration and Italian Language.

John took a position with Raytheon Corp. teaching English at a military school in Saudi Arabia from 1971 to 1973. Afterwards, John entered the Peace Corp Training. He was sent to Togo, West Africa for 4 years where he taught basic farming, animal birthing, and animal care classes from 1973 to 1977.

After several years there, he rewarded himself with a "Round the World" trip which came to be one of the highlights of his life. He then moved to Johannesburg, South Africa where he established a Business Consulting Firm. The end of Apartheid and election of Nelson Mandela in 1995 brought social and political unrest. The country was in turmoil and no longer safe. John returned to Dallas where he would be near family in 2004. After visiting the area and establishing friends, John sold his home in North Dallas and moved to Eunice. It proved to be the right thing to do. He came to love the city and people of Eunice.

He especially enjoyed visiting friends at Pierre Guidry Lumber. There, conversation flourished. Local problems, as well as, those of the world were discussed and dissected by the "Unofficial City Council". John relished the conversation and storytelling with the employees, as well as, the customers. They in turn enjoyed his intellect and knowledge.

Among his many interests and hobbies, Opera would surely come first. He loved the performances and had a collection of recordings that would rival any library or institution. He enjoyed attending plays and was very supportive of the Eunice Players Theater. He enjoyed collecting things and had an assorted collection of porcelain and glassware. He appreciated art and his home was decorated with beautifully framed artwork. He enjoyed model trains and had amassed an impressive collection.

He was a loving son, brother, cousin, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Among the many in Eunice are Gernice Guidry, Paula Lopez, Buddy Benoit, Joann Dupre, Johnny Johnson, Glen Porter, and Smokey Arabie. Among the many in Dallas are Richard Gunter, Charles Yates, and Lowell Worthington. and Glenn Drake of Ponca City, OK. Family include sister, Mariann Gilchrist and fiancée Robert McLaughlin of Dallas, Aunt Catherine Butzer, cousin, Lisa and her husband Dr. Paul Dulle of Jefferson City, MO, cousin, D'Arcy and her husband Jim Blosser of Lincoln, NE, cousin, Nikki and her husband Dan Sims of Leawood, KS, cousin, Vanessa and her husband Matt Robe of Columbia, MO, and nephew, Bill Oldenburg and two children, William and Genevieve of New Franken, WS.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Tarquine Gilchrist of Dallas, TX; Uncle Harold Butzer of Jefferson City, MO; Aunt Dulcis, Uncle Cal Plough, and cousin, Valerie Reavis of Rockport, TX.

There will be a memorial service with Deacon Gary Gaudin officiating at Quirk & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. A Rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Eunice Players Theater per John's wishes. Thank you.