John M. Canter, age 89, of Evergreen Park, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 1, 2014. He was born in Chicago on July 16, 1924 to John and Chloe Canter.

John grew up in South Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 until 1946, during WWII. He was in D Company, 1st Battalion, 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division in Europe where he earned the Bronze Star and other honors. After the war he met Ruby Steinmayr and they were married in 1950 at Elim Baptist Church. From 1941 until 1965 he worked at Campbell Soup Company in Chicago. John worked as a custodian at Elim Baptist Church from 1966 until 1971 and then worked as a school custodian in Oak Lawn District 218 from 1972 until retiring in August of 1989.

He enjoyed recreating furniture and trophies which were used at church for the AWANA Club and sports teams. Repurposing toys for his grandchildren was also something he enjoyed. He was diehard fan of the New York Yankees and enjoyed watching games. He enjoyed playing tennis with friends.

He is a member of Oak Lawn Bible Church where he served as an usher.

John is survived by his daughter, Margaret (Donald) Sadler; his grandchildren Andrew, Elizabeth and John Paul

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby P. , his brother, Raymond, and his sister, Eileen Gomez.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 6 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Oak Lawn Bible Church, 9435 S 54th Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453, where a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Private interment will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the church.