John Avary Monroe, 81, of La Plata, MD passed away early on Friday, June 5, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. John A. was born in Doncaster, MD on January 7, 1934, to the late Norbert DeSales Monroe and the late Nora Isabella Milstead Monroe. He is also predeceased by his brother, Joseph Elbert Monroe.

John A. is survived by his devoted wife of almost 49 years, Joyce Anne Wallich Monroe; children, Susan Kay Peddicord Price (Daniel), John Herbert Peddicord (Leslie), Patricia Joy Peddicord Moore Anderson (Timothy), Robert Michael Peddicord, and Amy Diane Monroe Watson; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Wallich Hawkins; nephew, Elbert Dennis Monroe; niece, Rebecca Ann Monroe Reed; eight grandchildren, Dianna Caryn Price, Darryl Price, Lauren Peddicord Morris, Kelly Peddicord Bacon, Kevin Moore, Lindsey Erin Watson, Molly Jean Peddicord, and Kyle Watson; great-grandchildren, Madelyn Price-Montgomery, Aedan Guschke, William Bacon, Elizabeth Bacon, Lillian Morris, and two more on the way. John A. will also be remembered by numerous other relatives and friends.

John A. graduated from La Plata High School in 1952. He drove a school bus while he was still in high school and then served as a Private in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He also joined the U.S. Army Reserve from 1956 to 1962. John A. was employed as a Dept. of Defense Police Officer at the Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, MD, prior to becoming a member of the Charles County Sheriff's Department (#11) until his retirement as an executive officer (Major) in 1985. John A. was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in LaPlata, MD. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #24, the Charles County Sheriffs' Retiree Association, and Meals on Wheels.

John A. enjoyed softball, baseball, and football, and was an avid Baltimore Orioles and Washington Redskins fan. He liked working in his yard, being outdoors, and working on projects. John A.'s greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Family received friends on Monday, June 8, 2015, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, 211 St. Mary's Ave., La Plata, MD. A Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Christ Church Port Tobacco Parish, 112 Charles Street, La Plata, MD. Interment followed at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, MD.

Pallbearers were Kyle Avary Watson, Kevin Douglas Moore, Darryl Charles Price, Robert Michael Peddicord, Daniel Charles Price, and Elbert Dennis Monroe; Honorary pallbearers are William "Darby" Poole, Hugh Furman, Weldon "Woody" Wood, Timothy Anderson, Sr., and William "Coach" Hayden. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Hospice of Charles County. Arrangements provided by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home.