John D. Tubbs

John Dale Tubbs, 88 of El Paso passed away October 5, 2021. He was born to Claire Tubbs and Cleo Tanner Tubbs on October 1st 1933 in Topeka, Kansas. John Studied Astronomy, Mathematics, Physics and Nuclear Physics at Washburn University from 1951 to 1956.

After graduation, John worked several months in California before moving to Las Cruces, NM to take a job at White Sands Missile Range. While in Las Cruces, John fell in love and married his beautiful bride, Marilyn Alicia Lujan in 1959.

John & Marilyn moved to El Paso and raised 5 beautiful children and had many unique adventures together. The young family lived several years on Kwajalein Island while John served as a consultant for the Nike Zeus, Anti-Ballistic Missile Program. John often traveled around the world to provide his expertise on various Defense Systems. He advised generals, oversaw missile testing and made many consulting trips to the Pentagon. He was proud to have made such a difference for the safety of his beloved United States of America. Even while traveling for the government, sometimes for months at a time, he never forgot his family and always returned with suitcases filled with gifts and treats from Germany or Japan or other exotic places. After retiring from White Sands Missile Range in 1989, John worked for COLSA Corporation in a consulting role and spent several years teaching science at Bethel Temple Mountaintop School.

John was known for his brilliant mind but he was much more to family and friends. He was a jokester and loved to tease his kids and grandkids. He had a wry slanted smile that would form on his face whenever he “got” you. He enjoyed his family and made sure everyone knew that he had the Best under his roof. He loved to tell stories and if he caught you, he would tell of his many adventures or would have you sit with him and listen to music of all kinds, including rock, classical and gospel. He was passionate about so many things and never did anything half-way. John was a creative and innovative thinker and that displayed itself in so many ways during his life. He was an inventor, photographer, carpenter, teacher, and electronic whiz.

Although John had unmatched professional success, he spent a few years seeking truth and looking for more significance in his life. He found was he was looking for in the early 70’s, through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. That relationship with the Lord provided the transformative significance that he had been seeking and he spent the rest of his years sharing the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught countless classes over the years and mentored many youths through their faith journey. Many of those young mentees stayed in contact with him throughout the remainder of his life, because of the impact he had on their lives. He lit the way for many people to come to Christ, both in his work setting and in his personal life. He will always be remembered for being an incredible mentor of faith.

John was immensely proud of everything God had done in his life and spoke often of the blessings of family, saying “look what God has done!” He loved his beautiful wife, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was loved deeply by all as well. His life was full and blessed in profession, family and faith and his legacy will live on through the lives of his family.

He is survived by 5 children and their spouses– Rejina and Melvin Christopher of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Gianna & David Kudar of Redding, California, Teresa & Steve Cooney of El Paso, Texas, Paul and Tammy Tubbs of Argyle, Texas, and Phillip Tubbs, of El Paso, Texas; 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary Lyn, his brother Darrell, and his beloved wife, Marilyn.

A celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday 11/6/21 at 11:00 at Bethel Temple Church in El Paso. Pastor Benny Hodge III will be officiating. Everyone that loved John and his family is welcomed!