John "Papa" David Singleterry

John David Singleterry, known to his loved ones as “Dave”. Born October 2, 1947 in San Juan, Texas made his journey home to our Father in Heaven on the morning of January 13, 2019 surrounded by his loving family in Bakersfield, California – his hometown for nearly 40 years.

He leaves behind the love of his life of 38 years Leticia (Ramirez) Singleterry, whom he married on January 17, 1981 at The Little Chapel of Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada; his daughter Lisa Andrea Singleterry; his daughter Vanessa Irene (Singleterry) Tripodi and her husband Ryan; his son John Mark Singleterry and wife Lisa; his daughter is Margaret Ann “Maggie” (Singleterry) Sanchez and her husband David; his beloved Grandchildren: John Luke Singleterry, Michael Curtis Singleterry, Alexis Jade Salas, Andrew John Salas, Alannah Tripodi, Austin Tripodi, Amelia Tripodi, Anthony Vincent Tripodi, and Christine Sanchez; and one Great Grandchild Payton Gasca; his Brothers and Sisters: Hilda Schmit, Elvira Singleterry, Joseph Singleterry, Baldomero Singleterry, and Joe Luis Singleterry; his Father and Mother In-Law Jose and Maria Ramirez; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends and fellow Officers. He is predeceased in death by his parents David and Josefa Singleterry and Brother Henry Singleterry.

“Dave” was the family caretaker after his father passed away when he was 12 years old. He began working at a very young age – supporting his mother and raising his younger siblings. His ability to learn new trades and perfect them quickly gave him a wide range of options for work. His many skills include developing photos for the newspaper, a printing pressman for several years, a construction worker and many times a handyman for family and friends. His proudest working accomplishment was his life long career as a Peace Officer with the Department of Corrections – retiring in March of 2014.

He was a proud Member and Priesthood holder of the LDS church, a Boy Scouts of America Member and Leader, a Moose Lodge Member and an Avid score keeper and biggest fan for the games of his Grandchildren.

Dave was a lover of all things sports – a home run king, a tennis enthusiast and a die hard golfer. He loved watching sports as much as he did playing them. Even more so he loved challenging others to a game and taking their money as he pretended to not know what he was doing. His favorites times were beach-side camping with his family and treating them to his famous Dutch oven meals. He loved to ride his bike and visit with neighbors every day. A lover of country music – he enjoyed joining his wife and her dancing team several nights a week at the Crystal Palace. The only thing he loved more than all of these things was his Traeger. BBQ’ing and entertaining family and friends was his passion. He loved to visit with each and every person he could.

He was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and a Mentor to all. He owned any room he walked into with an incredible gift of gab – making every encounter a personal friend. He loved to help anyone who needed it but rest assured he was going to teach you how to do it and do it right the first time. His home was always open – many days filled with laughter from his kids and their many, many friends who felt at home when they were there. His laughter and his ability to find humor in any situation was down right contagious and a trait he passed down to his children. His heart was big, loving, forgiving and empathetic. You always knew you had a friend in him – and he was always there to remind you just how special you were. No matter how much time passed – he was always worried about his family – brothers and sisters included – wanting to make sure they had any and everything they needed. His love proved to be endless.

As a family – we ask the each of you take what you loved most about Dave – and be that - every day. Be kind, be understanding, be honest, be good to yourself and to others. Like he always said – “When all is said and done – remember that life is about family over everything.”