John William Estlow III

John William Estlow III

John Estlow Obituary

Published by Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel from Feb. 2 to Feb. 3, 2009.
John William Estlow III

DANVILLE - John William Estlow III passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at his home.

He was a Magistrate in Danville for 14 years, until he retired from the state in 2008. He was the owner of John Estlow's Hairstyles for almost 15 years prior to 1994. John was an avid model builder of model cars in his youth and will be internationally recognized for his contribution to the industry and donations to the museum in May 2009, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Later, he greatly enjoyed building and flying radio controlled airplanes. He was the founder and host of the "Meeting of the Giants," an international fly-in at the Danville Airport. He was chosen by his fellow hobbyist as the recipient of the Joe Nall award in 2001.

John was born on December 13, 1944 in Danville the son of John (Jack) Estlow and the late Anne Hawkins Estlow.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife, Judith Siler Estlow of the home; two sisters, Joyce E. Payne of Danville and Nina E. Taylor of Roxboro, NC; an uncle, John A. Hawkins of Lynchburg, and four step-children, Helen Edwards, Sterling Hartman, Michael Shelton and Mark Shelton.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 2:00pm at West Main Bap-tist Church, conducted by the Reverend Bruce Wilson. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 4th from 7:00 - 8:30pm at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel on 5858 Riverside Drive and at other times at the home of Jack Estlow, 312 Rosemary Lane.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice Support Services, Inc. P.O. Box 2713 Danville, VA24541.

Online condolences at www.wrenn-yeatts.com.

Sign the guest book at www.GoDanRiver.com.


This obituary was originally published in the Danville Register & Bee (Danville, VA).

View All Photos

Add Photos to Memorial

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Estlow's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 15, 2015

Glen Williamson posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2009

Buzz Killingsworth posted to the memorial.

Glen Williamson

August 15, 2015

John's Obituary:
http://www.legacy.com/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=123648785

August 8, 2010

John's Dad, John (Jack) William Estlow, Jr., passed away on July 27, 2010 at the age of 85 after a two year battle with cancer.

Jack and John were alike in so many ways, they had a 'father and son' relationship that was the envy of everyone who knew them. With them both gone now, the world is diminished for those of us who were so fortunate to have known them. They are missed...

Buzz Killingsworth

March 8, 2009

John was truly a wonderful person and will be missed Greatly. I know that he is in a better place than we can ever imagine. May God Bless John and the entire Estlow family.

Raymond Ketchem

February 14, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I will miss John at the airplane meets .

Father and Son

February 7, 2009

Russell and Anne Stiff

February 6, 2009

Judith & Jack
There is such a void with John's absence now but his spirit and influence on our lives will be with us for the rest of our lives until we join him. We celebrate his life with us and grieve in in his physical absence. I still feel his "bear hug" embrace that he used to greet all of us. Anne and I will be with you both always and you must not hesitate to call us if there is any way we can assit you.

Barbara Travis Guill

February 6, 2009

Allen, My heart goes out to you in love and sympathy at this time. I know how much you love John. I remember the first time I met you both shortly after I married Don and moved to Danville years ago. He was truly a gentleman. I remember all the jokes we shared at the shop. He and Don would have so much fun. Please know that he will forever be a great part of your life. It is so hard to lose the people we care about from our presence, but we must love them enough to let them be at peace. Take comfort in knowing that we will see him again.

Mike Martin

February 5, 2009

I am sad to hear of John's passing. He always was a willing person to help anyone he could on or off the airfield. He will be greatly missed, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Amy Hudson

February 5, 2009

Joyce and Family:
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Brenda Myers, Danville Sheriff's Office

February 5, 2009

Thoughts and prayers and with your family during this difficult time. John will by missed so much.

Alex & Diane Shields

February 4, 2009

Dear Estlow family. I just learned of the passing of John. I wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I had known John for the many years that I have been in law enforcement and knew him to be a kind and gentle man as well as a humerous person. He will be greatly missed

Leslie Sumner and Werner Kopp

February 4, 2009

To the Estlow Family,
We've just now heard of John's passing from a mutual friend, and Werner and I are just devastated. We both want to offer our prayers and thoughts to you at the loss of this gentle, generous, true gentleman.

While there will never be a way to fill the empty place that his passing leaves in all of us that were lucky enough to have known him, just having known him will be enough.

The Propwash Video Productions family will miss him terribly.

Barbara Osborne

February 4, 2009

Dear Judith & Jack,
There are not enough words to express how much John will be missed by everyone who knew him. I have known him since high school and he always was such a kind man and has too many good attributes to list . We worked together these last l4 years and he always was very kind and professional to everyone and smiling thru that snowy white beard,. I know no words can express what you are feeling but my prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family and with John, somewhere high above flying his much loved airplanes.

John with his winning entry to a nationwide contest in 1964, held in Detroit.

February 4, 2009

Romell Tolbert

February 3, 2009

When I lived in Danville only one person could cut my hair, that was John he also sold me tons of hair care to keep my hair healthy . Well , John , I'm bald now and now, I have also lost a old friend. Your Dad Jack, taught me how to run movie projectors and work as a stage hand,John you taught me how relax and enjoy the moment. You were a kind and honorable person who will be missed by all you knew, for I doubt if any ever forgot you. My God comfort your family and friends.

Carol (Graham) Webber

February 3, 2009

I met John when I worked for Dr. Wentz on West Main St. He was always so kind and a true gentleman. Judith and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. John will truly be missed.

Mark Francisco

February 3, 2009

Good bye freind everytime I look in the sky I will see your smile. Even though I know you are in a better place I will miss you. I remember the good ole days eating popcorn for lunch and talking about planes. Ever since that first phone call I made to you,You treated me like a friend.I know the sky's are alway's blue where you are,and when I look up I will see you.

Peggy Whitlock-Chaney

February 3, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Wyona Paxton Witcher

February 3, 2009

Dear Estlow Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of our Dear John. We were neighbors, and friends for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

Pam (Bernard) Ayuso

February 3, 2009

To the Estlow family:
I was so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was always so helpful to me when he was the magistrate and I was translating for the police. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Christie Murphy

February 3, 2009

Judith, I'm so sorry for your loss you will be in my prayers.

Leon Jones

February 3, 2009

John, You will be missed by many. I am glad that I could call you a friend. May God be with your family during this time of sadness.

Gail Whitlock-Combs

February 3, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Richard T. Davis

February 3, 2009

Im so sorry to hear that John has passed. I remarked about him Sunday as a friend was looking through one of my many photo albums and had spoke about the gentleman with the giant plane. I said that's John Estlow. I started knowing him back in the 70's after I became staff photographer for the Register & Bee and have taken a boatload of photos of him over the years. He has to be one of the nicest men Ive ever know. Im now looking at a photo of him at the airstrip off 58 West as he attaches his 8mm camera to the fuselage of the plane that has the pilot in the cockpit that resembles him. He was always such fun to be around. What fond memories he has left us all with.

Eileen Houston

February 2, 2009

I work in the mental health field and had the pleasure to work with John in his capacity as magistrate. He was totally unflappable; always patient and pleasant, no matter what else was going on at the time. He is sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family for their loss of this very special man

George Mowbray

February 2, 2009

the airfield will miss you!!!!:(

Bliss Teague

February 2, 2009

Thanks John for being my friend . I know you will enjoy the hangar in the sky .

Sheryl Blalock

February 2, 2009

John was such a kind and fun soul. I worked in the office next door to his shop. My children also enjoyed going to the airport to watch the model plane demonstrations. John was never too busy to answer their questions. His love of life and airplanes will continue on through people he touched.

Gina Carpenter

February 2, 2009

I worked next door to John when he had his shop on West Main St, he was a very nice man, very kind, I know he will be missed greatly!!!! I am so sorry for your loss.

CARROLL ALLEN

February 2, 2009

DEAR JACK AND FAMILY;
I HADN'T TALKED TO JOHN IN MANY YEARS.I STILL HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF GOOD TIMES TOGETHER IN 1966-67.WE HAD NEW MATCHING GREEN AUSTIN-HEALEYS.A FINER FELLOW AND CRAFTSMAN,I NEVER KNEW.

Joan Petty

February 2, 2009

Dear Judith and Erin,
I am greatly saddened to learn of this; I had no idea. I have thought of all of you often, and meant many times to call you; I deeply regret not doing so. Your entire family was so wonderful to Mama, Daddy, and our family throughout everything. My heart aches for you.
Love,

Rose Petty & Jimmy Lawson

February 2, 2009

I have known John since 1964 at George Washington High School . John was a very nice and kind man. We will miss seeing his happy face and that white beard.
He will be sadly missed by all .
My prayers are with his family . I know his father will miss him, too.
We have lived in the same area for years with John and his and Jack Estlow and family.
Sadly missed

Mark Clifton

February 2, 2009

Dear Judith,

I so appreciate all the love and support you and John gave to my parents. You two were such wonderful friends for them. I feel like I have lost another member of my family.

Deputy Allison Gibson-Smith, P.C.S.O.

February 2, 2009

To the Estlow family I send my prayers and thoughts to you all. Mr. Estlow was a great man. No matter when I saw him he always had a warm smile ready! Even after I left the city and came to the county if I was in the jail for anything I'd always get a smile and a hug. He will be missed. Just a little note to Allen, I could tell by our talk just a few weeks ago how much John meant to you. Remember he is in a better place and wouldn't want you to grieve. He helped make you who you are and that is a good man. He will be with you all forever. Love in Christ Allie

Cathy Shelton

February 2, 2009

Johnny was a very loving and supportive step-father to both Michael and Mark. He nurtured them in a quiet and gentle way and make a lasting impression in their lives. He accepted them without question and they loved one another until the end.

John and Shirley Primiano

February 2, 2009

Jack, We are so sorry to read about John. You certainly will have many good memories. May God bless you and your family.

Gracie and George Napier

February 2, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time. We especially pray for peace for all. May God bless!

Kim Hammock

February 2, 2009

Judith & Jack,
I remember the first time I met John. It was mid-summer and he came into the garage for car repairs wearing a pink shirt, shorts and sandals, he looked like Santa Claus on vacation. John had a magic about him that engaged everyone he met. I will always remember how he shared his joy of model flying with all of us at "River Bend". He will truly be missed by us all. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Diane & David Rice

February 2, 2009

Judith, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. John was such a sweet & kind person. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Dowdy

February 2, 2009

Judith, Sorry to hear of your loss.

Toni Dryman Ryan

February 2, 2009

I am so terribly sorry to hear of John's passing. My fondest memory of him is riding through the countryside and stopping to pick buttercups in a field back in 1969. He was truly a gentleman and will be missed by many. May God be with you, his family, during this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you,

D Moore

February 2, 2009

Good bye my friend.

Allan Blair Pittsylvania Co Magistrates Office

February 2, 2009

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John with his 2001 Joe Nall Award

Glen Williamson

February 1, 2009

Every parent’s dream is that their children grow up to be decent, honest, caring adults.

In John, Jack and Anne Ruth’s dreams were more than fulfilled.

John is the most decent human being I have ever known.

There was not an arrogant bone in his body, with John, "What you Saw Is What You Got."

If I had one wish, I would wish that everyone had a friend like John.

Thanks John for being my friend, I will miss you old friend.

glen

Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results

Wrenn-Yeatts Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel

5858 Riverside Drive, Danville, VA 24541

Make a Donation
in John Estlow's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Estlow's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sponsored

Sign John Estlow's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 15, 2015

Glen Williamson posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2010

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 8, 2009

Buzz Killingsworth posted to the memorial.