Born in San Antonio, Texas on October 20, 1925, John was the eldest son of 7 children born to Gow Wong and Luz Soto Wong. A strong work ethic and commitment to education were key values of his upbringing and continue to this day throughout the entire family. In the mid 1930’s as a youth he traveled to Hong Kong and mainland China to further his Chinese education. Japanese bombing there led to his return to the United States and working in his father’s restaurant, the Sung Lee Cafe in downtown San Antonio.
During WWII, John left high school early and joined the US Navy. He served as a radio operator/gunner in a Dauntless SBD dive bomber, training in Washington State and later supporting efforts at the end of the war in the Philippines. Post WWII, John continued his education, worked at Kelly Field, and joined the US Army Air Corp, graduating flight school Class 49A at Randolph Field. He flew multi-engine aircraft to briefly support the Berlin Airlift and then for personnel transports to Paraguay. John finished his USAF career as a B-26 Invader pilot in Korea receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross and also recognition for flying a mission in the last hours of the Korean conflict.
While in flight school, John met Odilia Hinojosa while she was working at the Veteran’s Administration. They married July 1, 1950 and had four children. After military service, John became an FAA air traffic controller and relocated his family to Conroe, TX in 1965 with the opening on the new ATC center at Houston Intercontinental Airport. In Conroe, the family made many new friends. John left the FAA in 1976 for a brief stint in real estate but returned as an FAA ATC instructor in Oklahoma City in the early 1980’s. John was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Conroe Country Club and a volunteer for local school and community services. John’s accomplishments were many, but above all he was very loving and devoted to his family.
John is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Odilia, his parents and siblings. He is survived by Cynthia of Clear Lake, John (Jane) of Campbell River, British Columbia, Kenneth (Anthea) of Clear Lake, and David (Pamela) of Panorama Village, five grandchildren (Nadalie, Stephen, Elizabeth, Andrew, & Ian) and seven great grandchildren.
The family is greatly appreciative of the exceptional support from Allumine Hospice that allowed John to remain at his home in his final year.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish to do so, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 109 N. Frazier St., Conroe, TX, 77301, or Allumine Hospice or the charity of your choice.
A visitation for John will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Cashner Funeral Home, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. A funeral service will occur Saturday, February 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. Burial will be in San Antonio at a later date and will be attended by immediate family members.
