John was born in Houston on June 7th, 1973 and grew up fishing and hunting which inspired his lifelong love of the outdoors. After graduating Bellaire High School, John enlisted in the Army and completed basic training at Fort McClellan, a United States Army Post, before being stationed in the 705th Military Policeman Battalion at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
After the Army, John returned to the Houston area and knew he wanted to continue serving in law enforcement. He pursued his career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and began as a detention officer in 2003, became a Harris County Sheriff Deputy in 2005 and spent 13 years on patrol before becoming a Deputy Investigator in the Violent Crimes Unit.
20 years ago, John met the love of his life, Kathleen. As they dated and later married, John loved cooking for Kathleen because it was another way of expressing his love, giving her joy and contributing to her health. He loved surprising her on special occasions with thoughtful gifts from his heart and planning trips that included comfort, adventure, savory foods and relaxation. He loved taking care of her in all her possible needs and wants because in return it gave him joy and pleasure. John and Kathleen recently celebrated their 11-year wedding anniversary.
Kathleen’s family gained a son in John, and he was as dedicated to them as he was his own mom and family. John and Kathleen could often be found on fishing trips with his mom and family, whipping up a kitchen specialty, experimenting with new gadgets and lures and filling up the house with laughter and life. As a natural caretaker, John always wanted to help – help his family, his friends, people he knew and complete strangers. With his capacity for compassion, his enthusiasm for giving and his gift of gab, John made many life long friends and lasting memories.
John ended his watch as he spent his life, serving others.
John is survived by his wife Kathleen Coddou and her family, his mother Rose and step-father Jim Harshfield, brother Chris Harshfield, sister Michelle Coddou Kyzar and family, many in-laws, extended family, dear friends and his HCSO family. He is preceded in death by his father, John Hampton Coddou Jr.
Pallbearers will be Chris Harshfield, Daniel Dysinger, Brandon Sedio, Jason Leong, John Dickenson, Ryan Hilz, Bryan O’Neal and Chris Koenig. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Davey and Bart Kyzar.
A visitation for John will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Second Baptist Church, 19449 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. A graveside service to follow will occur at Forest Park Southwest Cemetery, 9040 FM 359, Richmond, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The 100 Club at https://the100club.org or the Texas Boys Outdoors Inc. at www.texasboysoutdoors.org/pages/donation
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