John W. Stelly Sr.

John Wilbur Stelly, Sr., 84, of The Woodlands, Texas passed from this life in the peaceful comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving wife of 26 years, Diadre, and his children. Born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on January 23, 1935, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Elise (Boudreaux) Stelly, and devoted brother to his sisters Patricia (Brown), who predeceased him, and Celise (Daugherty) of Wimberley, Texas. During his youth, John and his family relocated to Beaumont. He attended St. Anthony High School. After graduation, he served seven years in the US Naval Reserve.

In 1954, John married his high school sweetheart, Martha Mae Aucoin, a union that would last 37 years, until her death in 1991. John and Martha were blessed with four sons: John Stelly, Jr. (Michelle), Kenneth Stelly (Tonja), Brian Stelly (Rhonda) and Robert Stelly (Teresa). Following the passing of his first wife, John met Diadre Sperry at Continental Airlines and married in 1992. Diadre and her two daughters Terri Chapel and Annette Sperry (now deceased) completed the family and his happiness. Also left to cherish and honor John’s memory are 13 grandchildren and a full ensemble of great-grandchildren. One grandchild predeceased him. Indeed, he was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend to all.

John was also an airline aficionado. His career spanned 45 years in the industry where he primarily served as an Airline Dispatcher. In 1954, he began as a station agent for Trans Texas Airways and stayed with the company as it became Texas International Airlines and its eventual merger with Continental Airlines. He could spend tireless hours regaling anyone on the minute details of running an airline and dispatch operation.

Following his retirement from the airline in 1999, John enjoyed playing the slot machines, dominoes, grilling, and spending time with his beloved dog and friend, Missy. He also worked part-time at both Sears Hardware and Ace Hardware. As he had always been a skilled carpenter, John’s hobby of creating charming and unique bird houses became a passion and a side business for him. Many of his creations were personalized for the recipient. Moreover, John was always available to help friends with carpentry projects or whatever else they needed him for.

John was known for his determination, his quick wit, his enjoyment of telling jokes and stories, and his overall enthusiasm for life. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park, The Woodlands, 18000 Interstate 45S, Shenandoah, Texas, on Thursday, August 29, from 5:00-7:00 p.m., followed by a Catholic Vigil Service from 7:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 30, at St. Anthony’s Cathedral, 700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, Texas. Graveside Service immediately following at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Beaumont, Texas.