John Ambrose Jr.

John was born June 28, 1951 to John Ambrose Sr. and Audrey Adams Ambrose. He graduated from Hirschi High School in 1969. During his time at Hirschi, he participated in band, JROTC, rifle team and drill team.

After graduation, he served with the US Army Security Agency, Texas Army National Guard and finally the US Army Reserves. He always will be remembered for regaling friends and family with many amazing stories of his time in Torri Station, Okinawa where he was a Data Communications Specialist.

After his Army service, John had a long and successful career as a Computer Operator for the City of Wichita Falls. While working at the city, he met Joyce Grabeel, and they married in 1979. John also attended Midwestern State University and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Arts and Science in 1988.

John was an active member of the NRA, The Zone, and Wichita Falls Photo Club. His hobbies over the years included astronomical, storm and wildlife photography, bicycle riding, competitive shooting, ham radio and traveling the world. John had qualified for the 1980 US Olympic shooting team. Friends also remember his western-style dancing, playing his drums, cooking, and gardening.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce in May 2021, parents, John and Audrey Ambrose and sister, Linda Jane Ambrose.

He is survived by his sister, Connie Ambrose McKown and husband, Steven McKown from Round Rock, TX. Stepdaughter, Terri Nelson of Arlington, TX, two step-grandchildren, Danielle and Brandon, niece, Shelley McKown Kincaid and husband, George, nephew, Shawn McKown, great-nephews, Todd and Zachariah and fellow world travelers and dear friends, Peter and Pat Geib from Round Rock, TX.

Graveside service for John will he held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 3:00 P.M. at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Memorial Park in Veterans Gardens, 1917 Archer City Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX, 76302.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warriors, Veterans charities, or animal shelter.