John M. Pollock

John M. Pollock

December 28, 1948 - October 26, 2017

John Michael Pollock left for his final road trip on Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 8: 10 p.m. He was born on December 28, 1948 to Harry Lee and Helen Lucille Hill Pollock in Michigan City, Indiana. John married Elizabeth (Libby) West on December 21, 1982 who survives. He is also survived by his son, Jason, and granddaughter, Jenna Beck, both from Gainesville, Florida; brothers Steve (Sue), Layton, Utah, Tom, Larry (Rose) both from Michigan City, Scott (Nanette) from South Bend, Indiana and Bill (Janice) from Norlina, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents and his daughter, Jenise, in 2008.

John was a member of the DeMolay from 9th - 12th grades. He graduated from Elston Sr. High School in 1967 and attended Vincennes University for one year before enlisting in the service. He proudly served in The United States Marine Corps from 1968 through 1971 with a tour of duty in Viet Nam at the Headquarters Company 5th Marine Regiment from 1970-1971.

John loved sports and played football, basketball and baseball throughout his growing up years. Little League, Riley School, Elston Jr. and Sr. High, and DeMolay. Then he played softball as an adult for several years. He also coached his son’s Little League basketball team. He had many other interests including history, politics and music.

He was a past member of The Wall Gang making his first trip to see The Wall in Washington, D.C., in 2005. He was involved with the set-up and viewing of the replica of The Wall that came to Washington Park in Michigan City that same summer. He was a charter member and former Vice President of The Guardian Riders and a charter member and former Chaplain of The Michiana Marines Detachment 1348 of The Marine Corps League. He also helped with Toys for Tots for several years. He was a member of the LaPorte County Veteran of the Year Committee for three years, a member of the N.R.A. and a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 3767 for 32 years having worked in the Blast Furnace at Bethlehem Steel/ISG/Arcelor Mittal.

John loved riding his Harley Davidson on vacation trips with The Guardian Riders, on funeral escorts for his friends and fellow veterans and in multiple charity events and poker runs; in particular for the annual run in South Bend for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation for at least 10 years. At the time of his passing he was also a member of The Marine Corps Order of Devil Dogs; The American Legion Post 37; the 40 & 8; lifetime member of the D.A.V. Danny Bruce Chapter 23; and the V.F.W. Post 2536. Having said all that, he also was a true and loyal friend to so many as evidenced in the fact that he placed flowers at his high school friend Glenn Westphal’s grave site for over thirty-five years to honor his service and sacrifice to his country during the Viet Nam Conflict.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 31, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana and again from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 with service to start at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The Marine Corps League Detachment #1348 Michiana Marines will conduct a Memorial Service Tuesday evening at 6:00 pm in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel. Burial and  Full Military services will be conducted in Greenwood Cemetery on Wednesday.  He was loved by many and will be missed by all who had the good fortune to know him!

Contributions may be made to St. Jude's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172 or to the Voiture 276 Nursing Scholarship Fund, ATTN; Bob Hock, 756 E. U.S. Hwy 20, Michigan City, IN 46360 .

 Service Information