John Martin Walsh

John Martin Walsh
March 21, 1958-November 16, 2022

John Martin Walsh was one of seven children born to Charles Walsh and Marion (Clements) Haggerty. John was born in Miami, Florida and baptized in the Catholic faith in April 1958. He was raised for a short time in Queens, New York until the family move to Bladensburg, Maryland where John spent most of his time growing up and attending schools. John attended college for two years. John entered the United States Marine Corps and served from 1977-1981.

While serving, he attended Embry Riddle and received his certification for air traffic control. John spent just under five years in the Marines and was honorably discharged having attained the rank of Sergeant. At his retirement, he was a tactical air controller. John then went to work for the Federal Aviation Administration and attended air traffic school in Oklahoma City, OK.

It was there in 1982 that he met Nan who was also studying to become an air traffic controller. John worked for the FAA for 25 years before retiring from Tampa tower. However, John stayed active and involved in air traffic control since his retirement.

John and Nan were married on March 1, 1985, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Louisville, Kentucky. John also confirmed his faith at Our Savior. Their marriage was blessed by four children. John and Nan transferred to Hope Lutheran from First Lutheran in Clearwater in April 2019. John has been serving as Vice President of Hope's congregation. Among John's hobbies is, no doubt, flying. John was a faithful child of God and was called to his heavenly home on November 16, 2022.

John will be sorely missed by: His loving wife: Nan; His children and their spouses: Jennifer Oud, Brian Walsh, Shannon (James) Lucas, Alexander (Abigail) Walsh; His eight grandchildren and one great grandchild; His siblings: Kathy Hinkle, Charles (Vicky) Walsh; His mother-in-law: Jeanette Hanson; His sisters-in-law and their spouses: Sharon (Marvin) Weber, Susan (Mike) Hale, Shirley (Rev. Brian) Truog; His many nieces and nephews; His many peers, friends, fellow pilots, air traffic controllers; and His brothers and sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church .

The family will receive friends Tuesday, November 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hope Lutheran Church, 2001 N Park Rd, Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Hope Lutheran Church, Lakeland
Aeroclub, Saint Paul Lutheran High School Concordia Mo.

Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care