John Middleton

John M. Middleton, 69, of Asheville, died Friday, November 29, 2013, at the John F. Keever Hospice Solace Center. A native of Jackson Co., he was a son of the late Alvin and Evelyn Jeanette Gosnell. He was also preceded in death by a brother, James A. Middleton, and a sister, Dorothy M. Davis. Mr. Middleton retired from BASF, where he worked for many years as the power house engineer. He enjoyed learning about science and history, and fishing and hunting. He obtained a Class-4 level waste water treatment license, which is the highest level attainable. Mr. Middleton is survived by his brothers, Larry Middleton and wife Sandra, and Terry Middleton and wife Penny; nieces, Mary Jessica Halstead and husband Johnny, and Dr. Amber Slagle and husband Dr. Scott Slagle; and nephews, James Middleton and wife Susanne, and John Middleton and wife Rebecca. A graveside service for Mr. Middleton will be on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Laurel Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Ed Worley officiating. His family will receive friends at John's home, 804 Upper Glady Fork Rd., Candler, beginning at noon on Saturday. Mr. Middleton will lie in state at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. until 12:00 p.m. Sunday for those who wish to pay their respects. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Laurel Hill United Methodist Church.