John R. Middleton, 85, thirty-three year resident of Coupeville, died at Whidbey General Hospital on August 11, 2005.

Mr. Middleton was born in Phillipsburg, Penn., on June 2, 1920, to John R. Middleton and Matilda (Henry) Middleton. He was raised in Phillipsburg and graduated from high school there. Immediately following his high school graduation, John entered the U.S. Navy. He served his country during World War II, most notably in the submarine service, aboard the USS Nautilus. The Nautilus was the only sub in the fleet to survive, and was instrumental in the offensive in Tokyo Bay nearing the end of the war. Along with other members of his crew, John was the recipient of the Presidential Citation. He entered Officers Training and retired from the Navy with the rank of Lt. Jg.

Following his military service, John attended Hiram College in Ohio, where