John Gregg Middleton

John Gregg Middleton passed away peacefully at his home in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, the 14th of May 2013 at the age of 71. John was born on the 23rd of July 1941 in Houston, Texas to Triphene Swindle and Randall Mayes Middleton. He had one brother, David Mayes Middleton, deceased. He was the grandson of the late Effie Mayes and Archie David Middleton of Wallisville, Texas. John spent his youth in Liberty, Texas and was the valedictorian of the Liberty High School class of 1959. He continued his education at the University of Texas in Austin, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1964 and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1966. At the University, John was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the Phi Eta Sigma honors society and the distinguished Texas Cowboys service organization. Upon completion of his degrees, John moved back to Liberty, Texas to begin his law practice, specializing in wills and estates. In 1972, John founded Middleton Oil Company, subsequently drilling and operating numerous wells in Webb, Colorado and Chambers counties. Following his brother's death in 1982, John took over management of his family's ranching, cattle and farming businesses. He cherished his life and friends in Liberty and became an active member of its community. John served on the Board of Directors for the First Liberty National Bank since 1969 and on the Board for the Magnolia Ridge Country Club for many years. He was appointed to serve on the board of the Trinity River Authority in 1979 by Governor Bill Clements. John was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Liberty, where his mother built the Middleton chapel in 1980. He also served on many local and district church committees and taught Sunday school for nine years. John was a past Liberty City Councilman, a member of the Liberty Lodge #48, A.F. & A.M. and the Liberty County Historical Society. When his beloved son, David Mayes Middleton, II, was born in 1981, John renovated and moved into the Wallisville house his late grandparents built in 1906. His happiest times were spent raising Mayes. John, Mayes and Gammy spent most evenings after school together in Wallisville and they took many wonderful trips around the world each summer. An avid Texas historian, John honored his family's Chambers County legacy by founding the Wallisville Heritage Park in 1979. He was also an integral member of the Texas Historical Foundation and served as its president in 1982. John was a collector of many things, including antique cars, Texana (Texas memorabilia) and Victorian-era décor. John had a wonderful memory and was a fabulous storyteller. John was an active member of the Middleton Memorial United Methodist Church in Wallisvile, which was built by his parents in 1954. For its 50th anniversary, John renovated the church and rededicated it with his son in memory of John's mother, Triphene, in 2004. John served as a lay leader of MMUMC. He spent his last years at his home in Houston, Texas, enjoying long visits with his friends and family and handing down the family business to his son, Mayes. He was compassionate, charming and a wonderful host. John considered Mayes his greatest accomplishment. John's son, Mayes, would like to extend heartfelt thanks for the love and support shown to John over the past few years by his friends, family, caregivers and his much-loved housekeeper Lorenia Martinez. John Middleton is survived by his son, David Mayes Middleton, II, his wife Macy and many friends. A memorial service is to be conducted at half-past eleven o'clock in the morning on Friday, the 17th of May, at Middleton Memorial United Methodist Church, 2241 Wallisville Liberty Road in Wallisville, where Dr. Jerry House, and Rev. Randy Carrion, Pastor, are to officiate. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a nearby venue to be announced at the service. Prior to Friday morning's service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Wallisville Cemetery, where John will be buried alongside his father, mother and brother. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be made to Wallisville Heritage Park Foundation, P.O. Box 16, Wallisville, TX, 77597; the Middleton Memorial United Methodist Church of Wallisville, P.O. Box 75, Wallisville, TX, 77597; or to the charity of one's choice.