Obituary of Mervin French

MERVIN W. "BUD" FRENCH JR. 1923 - 2010 Mervin Worman French was born June 1, 1923 to Modoc County homesteaders, Mervin and Nellie French in Weed, CA. He was the 7th of 9 children. The family moved from the high country to Chico, poor from the Great Depression. He was the last survivor. "Bud" attended Chico Senior High in 1940 when he at 17, along with many classmates literally put down their footballs and picked up rifles. When War was declared in 1941, Mervin's National Guard Unit was assigned to G Compasny of the 184th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. The 184th was in four major compaigns and suffered heavy casualties. Mervin's National Guard Unit (boys from Chico) was one of the most highly decorated to serve in Pacific Theater. Mervin was awarded a Silver Star and the Purple Heart with Clusters. He fought bravely "for his life and the life of his friends, nothing more, there was no Glory" he would say. Mervin returned from the WWII to Chico in 1945. He missed the towns planned fanfare, as his boat was delayed by a typhoon. He went from the boat straight to a job, two days after he stepped off. He went on to raise a family and became a successful business man helping many friends start careers. He was disturbed by his memories of the War, but he spoke little of them to his friends and family. Mervin was predeceased by his wife of many year, Betty Bachand French; his daughter, Celeste Marie Sherwood and all of the Chico Boys in his National Guard Unit. He is surved by his loving friend, Thelma Brooke; son, Gregg and daughter-in-law, Pam; granddaughter, Alicia Sherwood Hille and three stray cats. He loved, was loved, and he loved animals. Mervin passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Enloe Hospital from multiple health issues in the same ward where his children were born. His daughter-in-law and one of his friends were at their jobs at Enloe during his passing. No fanfare was planned, at "Buds" request, he knew he would miss it anyway. He was laid to rest close to Celeste and Betty, at Glen Oaks Memorial Park, Chico, CA. Their will be an informal remembrance on Wednesday, May 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. inside the Mausoleum at Glen Oaks.