John Merl McDill

John was born September 10, 1944, in Casper, Wyoming, to John Jackson and Marjorie June (Gibbs) McDill. He graduated from Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, California, in 1962 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Lewis & Clark College in 1967. While in college, he married Cheryl Rose Droege, whom he first met in Sunday School when they were 15. They were married September 16, 1966, at First Presbyterian Church in Sunnyvale and shared 60 years of marriage.

John served his country in both the United States Marine Corps Reserve and the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972, receiving honorable discharges from both.

John's career took many different paths, but each reflected his ability to see a need and figure out how to meet it. John began his career as a Boy Scout District Executive. He later founded the Nazarene School of Roseburg, Oregon, and served as its first principal (1975–76). The school still thrives today as Umpqua Valley Christian School, a legacy of which he was especially proud. A Nationally Registered Paramedic, John later served at Mercy Medical Center and developed, directed, and taught the Emergency Medical Technician program at Umpqua Community College. His later work included operating John McDill LLC as a handyman and contractor and then later serving in facilities management and IT support at Valley Church in Cupertino, California. Whatever the job, John was known as hardworking, dependable, resourceful, and a man of integrity who could fix almost anything.

John was a man of deep but quiet Christian faith. He saw what needed to be done and did it, serving his family, church, and community without seeking recognition. He loved his family deeply and was a steady source of wisdom, practical help, encouragement, and support. He also enjoyed travel, photography, computers, Gonzaga basketball, and—much to his family's amusement—buying things online.

John's final illness lasted only 20 days from diagnosis to his death. Yet even within that short time, God granted him time to put his affairs in order, celebrate his 82nd birthday, mark his 60th wedding anniversary with Cheryl, meet his newest great-grandchild, and welcome his children and grandchildren who traveled from across the country to be with him one last time. Secure in his faith and looking forward to Heaven, John died peacefully with Cheryl and his daughters by his side.

John is survived by his wife, Cheryl Rose (Droege) McDill; daughters Melissa Marjorie McDill Lingle and husband Joseph Alan Lingle, April Cormae McDill Steele and husband Craig Lumpkin, and Daniella Cathleen McDill Butler and husband Dustin Christopher Butler; grandchildren Robert Lingle and wife Dakota Brown Lingle, Sarah Lingle, Katherine Lingle Leonard and husband Sean Leonard, Carolynn Lingle, Sophie Steele, Sage Steele, Callie Butler, Johanna Butler, and Adeline Butler; and great-grandchildren Milo Lingle, Hadassah Leonard, and Josiah Leonard.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Jackson and Marjorie June Gibbs McDill, and his brother, Morris Ronald McDill.

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Windborn Church, 300 Main Street, Rio Vista, California, where John was a member. His son-in-law, Pastor Dustin Butler, will officiate. A reception will follow at the church.

Livestream information will be provided at a later date as we finalize arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Umpqua Valley Christian School Scholarship Fund, honoring John’s enduring commitment to Christian education.

Donations may be made online at www.uvcs.org or mailed to Umpqua Valley Christian Schools, 18585 Dixonville Road, Roseburg, OR 97470.