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October 23, 1933 - February 27, 2015
John Allen Waits, age 81, went to be with the Lord on February 27, surrounded by the love of
family and friends following an extended illness.
He was born on October 23, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, to Homer Clark Waits, Sr., and Roberta
Waits. He was a Christian man of honor and integrity.
He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Ivor Brewer; and a brother, Homer Waits, Jr. He is
survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Janice Seiler Waits; a daughter, Deborah Waits Clegg
(Van); sons, Gregory Allen Waits (Barbara), and Christopher Michael Waits (Susie); a brother, Dr.
C. Richard Waits; and five granddaughters and two grandsons along with numerous nephews,
nieces, cousins, and friends.
John graduated from Hot Wells High School, where he played varsity football. He attended
Arlington State College on a football scholarship and graduated with a B.A. degree from Trinity
University. He received the M.Ed. degree from Our Lady of the Lake University. He served
honorably in the U.S. Army and retired from the U.S. Army Reserve, 90th Infantry Division.
John was a career educator. He was head football coach at Lanier High School and retired from
the San Antonio Independent School District, having taught at several other schools including
Highlands and Burbank High Schools. He was a caring teacher and was highly respected by both
students and faculty.
He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where he served faithfully in numerous leadership positions including Chairman of Administrative Board, and more recently as Church Treasurer. Along with his wife, Janice, he was a recipient of the church's Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on March 3 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, with
interment to follow at New Fountain Cemetery, near Hondo Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of John Allen Waits to
Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 502 Kayton Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78210.
The family invites friends to share their thoughts and prayers in the online guestbook found at
http://www.hillcrestfuneral.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
RIP! I seldom look at the obituary anymore because too many friends especially teachers I have had are passing away and I'm not able to attend their funerals because of my illnes. I am getting close to joining them and only God knows when he'll take me to be there with all of my friends, and families members that have died during my lifetime here on earth.
WILLIE GONZALES
Student
February 24, 2021
What's there to say I have read everything that has been said about Mr. Waits and there's not much I can add. RIP!
Willie Gonzales
Student
August 13, 2020
Mr. Waits was a great teacher and one thing that Mr. Waits did for his students was to show us how to do income tax returns. Mr. Waits told us no matter what you do in the future you are going to have to do them yearly. I have been doing my income tax returns since I graduated in 1967 and I am 71. I still think about Mr. Waits because one thing that you never forget is a great teacher like Mr. Waits
WILLIE GONZALES
Teacher
February 26, 2020
RIP! I am still sad because he was such a great man and teachers like him you'll never forget. I was a quiet student and hardly ever communicated in class, and he knew about it, so he seldom called on me to stand up in front of the class. I managed to get good grades in his class, so he was happy with it and I appreciated it too.
WILLIE GONZALES
March 14, 2015
It was a special privilege to attend Hot Wells school with very fine classmates. Among them was John, a true gentleman. We were also blessed to know his high school sweetheart who became his lovely wife, Janice. Together they have exemplified true Christian Values that made knowing them a blessing.
Jim & Mary Hargrave
March 13, 2015
Condolences to the Waits Family. I had the great pleasure to be coached by such an honorable man. You will be sorely missed Coach. The Vok community will miss your greatly. Class of 1981
Rene Martinez
March 9, 2015
Friday, March 06, 2015
To Janice & Family
With sadness and an empty heart, I extend my deepest sympathy. John was a classmate at Hot Wells, and I will always treasure the fond memories from 48-51, and also our class reunion at your home.
May God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hands
Tommie Farias
March 6, 2015
It is with deep sadness & a heavy heart that I send my most sincerest condolense to the family of Coach John Waits. A gentleman in all respects. One whom truly loved, cared and respected all his beloved "Voks". Know that you will be always missed & never forgotten. May you rest in peace, Sir!! Thank You for all your help.
Juan Leal
1st Athletic Trainer assigned to Lanier H.S. 1977-79
Juan Leal
March 5, 2015
John was one of my oldest and dearest friends. Met him in January of 1945 at Hot Wells schol. Played football, track and baseball with him (I was too short, slow and couldn't shot in basketball) and generally hung out with him through school.John is one of the most honest, and sweetest guys i have ever known. Knew and loved him and Janice and his family for some 70 years and cherish everyone of them. Will miss him until I see him again in heaven.
Charles Polaski
March 4, 2015
John was one of my oldest and dearest friends. Met him in January of 1945 at Hot Wells school, played football , baseball and track with him (would have played basketball but I was too short, too slow and couldn't shoot). He was one of the most honest, and good men I have ever known and was also probably the sweetest guy I have ever known. Loved him dearly and will miss him until I join him in heaven
March 4, 2015
RIP Coach Waits, from track team, Felix Medina Lanier HS, Class Of "72" Go Voks
Felix Medina
March 4, 2015
Today is March 3, 2015, Tuesday. I just read Mr. Waits obituary and I am sad to just find out of his passing. Mr. Waits was my Advisor at Lanier High School until I graduated in 1965. I was always proud when asked who my advisor was. His students had the utmost respect for this outstanding teacher and gentleman. I will always remember his gracious smile. My condolences to his family. Mr. Waits, may you rest in peace as your enter the gates of heaven.
Gloria M. Hernandez
Sidney Lanier - Class of 1965
Gloria Hernandez
March 4, 2015
My condolences to Mrs. Waits and family. Coach Waits was a man one of great integrity and compassion whom I will always remember because of his kind heart. He was not only a great teacher, but a great friend to all who knew him.
Michael Hernandez
March 3, 2015
My condolences to the Waits family. Coach Waits was a very nice and kind teacher I had the pleasure of having at Lanier H.S. May the glory of God be upon him, and may he R.I.P.
Daniel Soria
March 3, 2015
you will be missed coach waits. rip! voks 76
ALFRED GARCIA
March 3, 2015
Deepest sympathy to the Waits family for their loss. John Waits (Coach Waits) was not only my coach at Lanier High School but he was my mentor, and exemplified everything that a man should stand for. I am so sad that he is gone, but I know that his legacy and teachings continue to live in many former students from Sidney Lanier High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Waits family. God Bless.
Romulo Spiller
March 3, 2015
RIP Coach, from track captain, Johnny Clark, Lanier HS, Class Of "71"
Johnny Clark
March 3, 2015
Mr. Waits may you rest in peace. You were a serious teacher from what I remember. You caught me speaking at the rear of the classroom and asked me a question in regards to what you were discussing. Luckily I answered correctly, and I remember that smirk on your face. I have never forgotten. You were a kind man and I will forever remember you in the track-field with the young lads. You once offered me to join the Junior Olympics for the summer of 1977. I wish I would have listened to you. You were inspiring, motivating and and a great educator! I will forever remember you. With sincere condolences to the family.
Mickie
March 3, 2015
I'm sorry we were unable to attend the funeral. We didn" know about his passing until we read about it today(3-3-15) in the paper. I enjoyed working, hunting,and fishing with John. If there is anything we can do let us know.
Pete & Randi Wayland
March 3, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you have peace during this time. 1 corinthians 10 : 13
March 3, 2015
Mr. Waits was one of my teachers at Lanier, he was a great educator. May the Lord comfort his family.RIP
Maria Guadalupe Guerra Ramirez
League City, TX
March 3, 2015
It was and is a pleasure to have known you John. Every Sunday morning you greeted everyone with a smile and with something nice to say. Aldersgate UMC and everyone is going to miss you my friend. And Janice our prayers are always with you and your family. John you are one of a kind and cant be replaced ever. RIP John...God needed an angel and it was you!
Willard Johnson
March 3, 2015
My condolences to his family. A great teacher and leader.
Adrian Caballero
March 3, 2015
Mr waits was my teacher at Lanier, later we taught together. He was a man of integrity and humble to a fault. May God bless him and his family. We had some good conversations when we worked together.
Richard Gallegos
March 3, 2015
We were saddened to learn this morning of John's passing. He was a faithful servant of the Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and the family.
Sally and Tim Vordenbaumen
March 3, 2015
You made school fun. May you RIP.
Teresa Martinez
March 3, 2015
John will forever be in our Hearts here at Aldersgate UMC . I will miss him dearly. I know that I will see him again one day. Janice prayers for you and your family!!! Manuel sends his regards and sympathy he is taking exams today. We are here for you if you need anything. Much Love !!!!
Marsha Padilla
March 3, 2015
R,I.P. Coach Waits, fond memories with you at Lanier 66-72. Always smiling and a great sense of humor. My sincere condolences to family.
March 3, 2015
He was a good man.
Roger Trevino
March 3, 2015
On behalf of the Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Agbami Deepwater Drilling Team, I would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the Waits family for your loss.
David Hawkins
March 3, 2015
On behalf of the SAISD Athletic Office, our sincere condolences to Mrs. Waits and family. Coach Waits was highly liked and very much respected by everyone in our office and by all the athletes and coaches that he came in contact with. He will be very much missed. Kathleen Lovejoy, SAISD Athletic Office
March 3, 2015
Janice, please accept my deepest sympathy. John was the first friend that I had in San Antonio. He was 8 years old and I was 7. He will always be remembered as one of my very best friends. I recall Introducing him to a young lady (You Janice), when you were roller skating by my house on Halliday Ave. He was so excited about meeting this beautiful girl. It wasn't until you moved to the house on Schley that you got to know each other. Your family is in our prayers.
Charles Luckett
March 3, 2015
RIP! I still remember Mr. Waits in school back in the late 60's. I had him for a few classes and he was fun, and always had that serious look. He and Mr. Wayland along with Mr. Whitliff were teachers I will never forget.
Willie Gonzales
March 3, 2015
Rest in peace Coach Waits. The Lanier community prayes for you and your family.
Rick Garcia
March 3, 2015
Mr Waits used to be my teacher at Lanier High School he was not only a teacher but a friend that helped all of us with every problem we had. He will be missed greatly. My Sympathy to all the family my prayers will be with you.
Nellie Garcia
March 2, 2015
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful man. Janice we are praying for you and the family. God has gained an angel. Frank & Ofie Vela Cloud.
Frank & Ofie Cloud
March 2, 2015
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