Obituary of John Edwin Scott

John Edwin Scott II, 70, a resident of Puyallup, died January 28, 2009 at Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born October 17, 1938 in Aberdeen, Washington to Kathleen and Claude Scott. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1955 and taught himself to play the guitar while in the service. In later years, John worked for Family Housing with the Department of Defense at Fort Lewis and for Tacoma Boats as an electrical test engineer. In 1981, he married Diane M. Conrad and they settled in the Tacoma area. John had a way with horses and people that often revealed the kind heart hidden behind a dry sense of humor and ornery exterior. With a voice that reminded many of George Jones, he often played his guitar, and the dobro he made, at local bluegrass festivals. An avid outdoorsman and gun enthusiast, John enjoyed fishing with his granddaughter and planning hunting trips with his brother. John was happiest reminiscing about his wild exploits over a good meal of his famous meatloaf or stew in the company of his family and friends. John grew up with five siblings, Claudia Brown (deceased), Gary Scott (Jackie) of Missouri, Glenna Healy (Doug)of Puyallup, and Mike Scott (Celia) of Tieton, Washington, Kathleen Bacon (deceased). John was the father of John Scott (deceased), Cheryl Martindale and Randy Scott of Texas, Michelle Harris (Todd) of Hubbard, Oregon, Sharie Conrad and Charlie Conrad (Debbie) of Portland, Oregon, and Lisa Shanafelt (Kyle) of Federal Way, Washington. Grandpa to Jewell, Erin, Jessica, Tanya, Megan, DJ, Zack, John, Ashley, and Connor. Great Grandpa to Sebastian, Madison, Sophie-Jean, and Tristan. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 3 at Tahoma National Cemetery.