John was born February 28, 1931, in Fairfield, Iowa to John Ernest and Winifred Shellhorn Dempsey. John attended Parsons College in Fairfield before joining the United States Navy in 1951, serving on the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier during the Korean war. While stationed in Corpus Christi, TX, he met Marjorie Huebner, also a Navy veteran. John and Marge married in 1955, and made their home in Corpus, as John began his career in finance while employed with the American Dividend Credit Corporation. They relocated to Nixon, TX in 1961 when he accepted a position with The Nixon State Bank. John and Marge later moved to Temple, TX in 1966 when he was offered a position as Vice President of Temple National Bank. John ended up retiring from First Federal Savings and Loan, where he was Vice President of mortgage lending. After celebrating 45 years of marriage, Marge passed away in 2000. John later married Carol Jones in 2007 and spent their time traveling to over 25 countries experiencing the different cultures of the world. They remained married until Carol passed away in 2022. John was a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served as Senior Warden, Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer.
John was very involved in the City of Temple, serving the community in the following capacities: Director of Temple Chamber of Commerce, Director of Bell County Rehabilitation Center, President and Campaign Chairman of Temple United Way, President of Temple Lions Club, and Member and Chairman of Temple Zoning and Planning Commission. In 1972, John was named Outstanding Citizen of Temple by the Temple Jaycees.
John was a very loyal and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family above all else. John was always known for his dry wit and had an incredible sense of humor.
John is survived by his 3 daughters: Sharon Birdsall, (Gary), Cynthia Foster, (Donald), Julie Rivera, (James), 6 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home.
Services will be held at Christ Episcopal Church on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 1:30pm, burial following at Bellwood Memorial Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.
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