John M. McMahan, age 88, of Bedford, died on September 29, surrounded by his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with melanoma.

A lifelong Bedford resident, Mr. McMahan was the son of the late Martin F. and Mary E. (Breslin) McMahan. Born on June 24, 1926, he graduated from Lexington High School in 1944 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 18. During World War II, he proudly served as a Fire Controlman Third Class aboard the U.S.S. Rolette.

After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned home to manage and operate "McMahan's Texaco" service station in the center of town. He later worked and retired from the U.S. Postal Service, serving as a well-known letter carrier in Bedford for over 35 years.

He was also a long-time member of the American Legion Post 221 in Bedford, and a communicant/usher at St. Michael's Parish in Bedford for many years.

His favorite hobbies included deep-sea fishing, smelt-fishing, berry-picking and watching his beloved Boston sports teams. Along with his talented siblings, he loved the music of Big Band era, and could often be heard singing along to the radio or harmonizing around the family piano.

He was the beloved husband of Lorraine (Dunnam) McMahan for over 60 years. Loving father of Patricia Barriss of Bedford, Pamela Bennett and her husband Richard of Merrimack, NH, Laura LaPoint and her husband Joseph of Clarendon Springs, VT and John M. McMahan Jr. of Bedford. Dear brother of Ruth McDonnell of Bedford, Theresa A. Eaton of Lexington and the late Francis B., William T., Paul G., and James J. McMahan and sister Helen Hayes. Cherished grandfather of Stephen, Kevin and Mark Bennett of NH and Paige Elizabeth LaPoint of VT. He is also survived by cousins Sheila (Breslin) Smyth and her husband Kevin of Woburn, Brenda (Breslin) Savage of Lexington, Edward McMahon of Bedford, Florence Sebastian of Texas, as well as many other cousins, nieces and nephews. Predeceased by son-in-law David Barriss.

His funeral was held from the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Friday, Oct. 3, at 8:00 A.M. followed by a funeral mass in St. Michael's Church, 90 Concord Rd., Bedford, at 9:00 A.M. Pallbearers included his three grandsons and his five nephews, Martin McDonnell, William McMahan, James McMahan, Malcom Eaton and Mark Eaton. Music at the service was performed by his nieces, Cheryl Pongratz, Brenda Myers, Jillian Martin and Mary Pongratz, and his nephew-in-law, Peter Pongratz.

Interment was held in the Shawsheen Cemetery, Bedford, where a Navy Honor Guard presided over his burial.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical staffs at MGH-Boston, Lahey Clinic-Burlington and the ComforCare home aides who provided such compassionate care during his final two months. Mr. McMahan will long be remembered and missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Pl. W, 6th Fl, Brookline, MA 02445.