John Lee Madole

April 21, 1948 – February 25, 2012

John was born April 21, 1948 to Dale and Arleen Madole. He lived in Chino for over forty years. John attended school in the Chino Unified School District attending Newman Elementary, Ramona Junior High and Chino High School. While in high school, John was an active member of Future Farmers of America and won several awards for the prize livestock that he raised. He graduated with the Class of 1966.

John was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. He was an Army Specialist 4 and served with the Transportation and Supply Company of the 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi, Vietnam. After completing his basic training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he was stationed for six months at Fort Rucker, Alabama before begin sent overseas.

John earned a Commendation Medal for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against hostile forces in Vietnam. His outstanding performance was a significant contribution in support of his unit and the United States Army. He was also presented the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious operations against hostile forces in Vietnam. John was also awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster for services in Vietnam. He was injured when 12 Claymore mines exploded while he was attempting to put out a fire in the arms room. John received his honorable discharge in 1970. After his return, John also served a year as Commander of American Legion Post 299 in Chino in 1975.

Living back in Chino with his family, he went to work in the construction field. He worked for W.J. Elrod Construction building many homes and businesses around the Chino Valley from 1970 until 1983. From 1983 until 1988, John was one of the owners of Chino Cabinet. In 1988, he moved to Blythe, California and went to work for the Coca Cola Distribution Company for several years. John also served as a member of the City of Blythe’s Water Board and Planning Commission. In the early 1990’s, he accepted a job teaching Wood Shop with Palo Verde College and taught classes at both the college and high school. He was then offered the job of Director of Facilities and Maintenance at the college working at the Blythe and Needles Campuses. He worked at the college until his retirement in June of 2011.

John loved to hang out in his workshop creating everything from furniture to collectibles out of wood. He also enjoyed welding, loved fishing, camping, cast iron cooking and collecting John Deere equipment and Santa Fe model trains and memorabilia. John also enjoyed helping out at his church and enjoyed the company of his many friends and family.

John was married to Sue Madole from July 4, 1987 until he past away. He had two daughters, Rhonda Ceballos of Chino Hills, California and Kerry Garzanelli of Chino, California. He had two step-sons, Chas Kelley of San Bernardino, California and Shawn Kelley of Kingman, Arizona. He had 13 grandchildren.

John will always remain in the memory and hearts of all of his friends and family. He will be greatly missed.

Arrangements under the direction of Draper Mortuary, Ontario, CA.