John B. Whitwell, age 78 of Seguin passed away on December 11, 2014. John was born in Moore, Texas to William and Emily (Mode) Whitwell on February 7, 1936. He moved to Seguin, Texas when he was in the 7th grade. He graduated from Seguin High School in 1953 where he participated and excelled in football, basketball, and track. He went to Texas A & M and also received his "wings" in the ROTC. He entered the USAF in January 1958 as a 2nd Lieutenant and spent 8 years on active duty and 12 years in the Reserves attaining the rank of LT. Colonel. He was based in Okinawa, Japan for two years where he traveled to bases in the Philippines, Bangkok, and Vietnam. He made numerous drops of heavy equipment from a C-130 during the conflict. After leaving active duty he became a pilot for American Airlines where he was employed for 30 years. With the privileges provided by the airlines, John and his family traveled to various countries and points of interest. He married his childhood sweetheart, Lydia Herbold, in November 1957. They were blessed with two children; Craig Alan Whitwell and Tracie Whitwell Kerns. John was a proud grandparent to Brynn Ann Kerns, John David Kerns, Taylor Marie Kerns, and Ashleigh Duerr. He took them on many unforgettable trips-Disney World, Sea World, Schlitterbahn, Washington D.C., Krueger National Park in South Africa, skiing in Colorado, and many trips to the Texas Coast. John was an avid fly fisherman and traveled all over the world to enjoy his hobby. He fished many favorite streams in the U.S., Alaska, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Baja California, Mexico, Chile, and others. After retiring from American Airlines he and Lydia moved to Rockport, Texas where he had a boat in a canal right outside their back door. He spent many days from daylight to dark looking for that "big" one, which he would promptly release. He was strictly a "catch and release" fisherman only enjoying it for the sport of it. He passed on the love of fishing to his son, Craig. John also enjoyed playing golf with both his airline friends and his Rockport buddies. John realized his lifelong dream of owning a ranch where he and Lydia spent many happy times together before he was stricken with Alzheimer's. He spent the last 10 years of his life fighting this debilitating disease-the last 2 ½ years were spent at Garden Ridge Assisted Living where he was given such wonderful care by owners Juan and Maggie Lopez, and Hospice caregiver Reynaldo Rios, along with the other caring and loving staff.
John is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, James Edward Whitwell, Franklin Carroll Whitwell, and his wife Alice Lee Whitwell. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Lydia Whitwell; Son Craig Whitwell and wife Keri, Daughter Tracie Kerns and husband Steve; Grandchildren, Brynn Kerns, John David Kerns, Taylor Kerns, and Ashleigh Duerr; brother Clyde Leonard Whitwell and wife Rita; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loving friends. The family wishes to thank all those who have helped Lydia and her family during these difficult years. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2014 at Tres Hewell Mortuary from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Dr. Paul M. Cross officiating and military honors under the auspices of the United States Air Force. A reception will follow in the Life Enrichment Center. Private interment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery on Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1326 E. Cedar Street, Alzheimer's Association, San Antonio and South Texas chapter, 7400 Louis Pasteur, Suite 200, San Antonio, Texas 78229 or to the charity of one's choice.