John Linton Chennault was born on September 16, 1932, in Tignall (Wilkes County), Georgia, to the Late Deacon John Hogan Chennault and Willie Eva Davis Chennault. John Linton was the third of six children in this loving family, along with Bernice, Howard (D), Lacelle (D), Herbert, and George Edward(D). John was known as Lint by his family, childhood friends, and close friends.

At an early age, John Linton affiliated with Trinity Baptist Church and was baptized under the pastorate of Reverend W. C. Turman. Although he attended and supported churches around Cleveland, his heart remained with Trinity. He was particularly connected as one of his high school classmates, Reverend Easley, served as pastor for many years.

John received his education in Wilkes County, beginning at Newford School and continued there until his high school senior year. For his senior year, he attended the Rosenwald High School in Tignall, Georgia. After graduating, he relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, where he initially lived with his sister, Bernice, and her husband, Lenward Brown. John began his work career with Fisher Foods, which was interrupted by the Military Draft. He served in the Army with duty in the Korean War from 1952 until 1954. He received some combat injuries but continued to serve until he was honorably discharged. After serving his military tour, he returned to Fisher Food, working until his retirement in 1989.

After returning from military service, he met and married the love of his life, Frances Overby. They were married on May 11, 1957, and remained married for nearly 66 years. Together, they have five children and multiple grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

His love for his immediate family was to a fault, and his love for his extended family was a model for others to follow. John was the epitome of a neighbor, as a resident since 1966. As a man, there were some things that he was particularly passionate about. He was a sports enthusiast with mixed feelings about the Browns and the Cavs. Having grown up on a farm, he was a gardener who loved to play in the dirt and was well known for his homemade wine. He loved to fish and was an outdoorsman. He loved to tinker with mechanical appliances and thought he could fix almost anything. He had some strong political opinions and would gladly share them with you, as he was well known for his portable radio.

John Linton departed this Earthly life on April 1, 2023. He was preceded in death by parents, John and Willie Eva Chennault; siblings, Howard Chennault, Lacelle Chennault, and George Edward Chennault.

He left to cherish his memory: devoted wife, Frances; children, Sherri, Meloney (Michael), Lamond (Susan), Angelia (Al), and Nicole (Sean); grand-children, Jonathan, Cherae, Marcus (Tia), Monika, Alexandra, Michael, Daija, Daivon, Tamala and Glen; great-grandchildren Peyton, Harlum, Marcus Jr, and True.; siblings, Herbert (Gerri) Chennault, and Bernice Brown; mother-in-law, Nannie Sanders; as well as many nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.