John LeRoy Fairbank

John LeRoy Fairbank of Bozman died at his home on Wednesday, August 5, 2009. He was 91. Born in New Brunswick, NJ on April 23, 1918, he was the son of the late, Leroy Jenkins and Lillian Cornelia Fairbank. He attended Rutgers University where he graduated in 1940 with his Bachelor’s degree in business. Mr. Fairbank enlisted in the Navy where he served in World War II and remained as a reservist. He was once again called to duty during the Korean War. He served in Sicily, Italy and Normandy Beach. Mr. Fairbank served as a Stores Officer, a Gunnery Officer, a Navigator and an Executive Officer. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 as a Commander after receiving the American Theatre Ribbon, the European African Theatre Ribbon with 4 Stars and the World War II Victory Ribbon. On December 29, 1945, Mr. Fairbank married the love of his life, Lillian “Lee” Artus. They made their home in Metuchen, NJ and later in Jacksonville, FL. He was an Executive in Sales and Marketing for Shell Oil for 30 years when in 1981 he retired. Mr. and Mrs. Fairbank moved to the Eastern Shore where they had purchased property in Bozman that once belonged to Mr. Fairbank’s great grandfather and grandfather as part of their family farm. He loved his family dearly. He very much enjoyed their family gatherings. In 1985, they began the tradition of the week long “Camp LeRoy”. Mr. Fairbank enjoyed traveling the world with his wife. They visited Europe, Kenya, China and Scandanavia, as well as many other locations. Mr. Fairbank was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Easton. He was part of the Men’s Breakfast Club, the Miles River Yacht Club, the Miles River Sail and Power Squadron and the Military Officers Association of America. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lillian “Lee” Fairbank of Bozman; his son, Robert Fairbank and his wife, Anna of Millbrae, CA; his daughter, Nancy Findley and her husband, Danny of Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Beth Montgomery and her husband, Michael of Columbia, SC, Kathryn Findley of Charleston, SC and Emily Fairbank of Millbrae, CA; and great granddaughter, Mary Hall Montgomery of Columbia, SC. Memorial services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Easton on Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Inurnment with full honors will be at Arlington National Cemetery on November 20, 2009 at 9:00 am where friends are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Easton.

John LeRoy Fairbank

April 23, 1918 - August 5, 2009