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John Witherspoon Obituary

John McCormick Witherspoon John McCormick Witherspoon, beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 11. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Pat, and his two sons, Terence Dennis, and wife Jenniffer DeAnn, and Lawrence Andrew, and wife Alejandra Nicole, and his grand-daughters, Sovay Raylee Witherspoon and Amelia Lucia Witherspoon. He is also survived by his brothers, Joseph P. Witherspoon and wife Ann, Thomas Morgan Witherspoon, and James Stuart Witherspoon, and his sister-in-law, Carolyn Dennis Willingham and husband, John. He was the proud uncle of Tim Knobloch, Charles Knobloch, Kelly Witherspoon Zabcik, Adam Witherspoon, Alethea Witherspoon Anthony, Russell Dennis Willingham, and Jonica Lynn Willingham. John was born on October 11, 1950 in Austin, Texas, the son of Dr. Joseph P. Witherspoon, Jr. and Catherine Leavy Witherspoon. They preceded him in death, as did his sister, Victoria Elizabeth Knobloch. He was a proud graduate of A. N. McCallum High School, and kept in touch with many of his classmates until his death. He attended Union College in Schenectady, NY, and graduated with a B. A. degree in government from the University of Texas at Austin in 1973. In 1976, he graduated from the UT Austin School of Law. John practiced law in Austin from 1976 to 2000, when he moved to El Paso, TX. He was an attorney in El Paso and later corporate trust officer for Zia Trust Company, retiring due to ill health in June, 2012. He was on the boards of several non-profit organizations in Austin and El Paso, and was very active in sports activities of his sons. And, he was a lover of animals, including his dogs, Chester, Adam, Skipper, Sandy, Gracie, Austin, Scout, and especially Petey. John was much beloved, and will be sorely missed. A Funeral Mass will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 28th, at St. Austin's Catholic Church, 2026 Guadalupe. Location and parking information is available at http://goo.gl/R14Gs. Rosary service will be at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27th, in the Chapel of Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, the American Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice.

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

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Apr. 26 to Apr. 28, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for John Witherspoon

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Janet Poole Prueitt

May 2, 2013

John was a good guy and had a neat sense of humor and a sharp wit.

Janie Terrel

April 29, 2013

John and Pat Witherspoon are on the world's should be cloned list. Two of the nicest people - we need more like them. God bless.

Judy Washington Salmon

April 29, 2013

Dear Pat - I was so sorry to hear about John's death. He was such a kind, friendly man, and I enjoyed seeing both of you at our last McCallum reunion. My prayers are with you and your family.

April 29, 2013

Fly with the angels Shoal Creek neighbor
from the 50's. Milly Driggs Nunis.

April 27, 2013

"A friend is a masterpiece of nature"...no one deserved that description more than dear John. He was always a stand out in kindness, thoughtfulness, help, caring, brilliance,longhorn fan, and being a true friend and good man ALWAYS....John is irreplaceable to so many of us...my heart, prayers,thoughts, and love are with dear Pat and sweet family. Heaven needed him at this too young of age to round up and care for all the dogs/cats up there...I can just see him with his halo and wings smiling and laughing with his critters, the happiest being Petey. With deepest sympathy and much love, Cathy Munson and parents

Rhonda Taylor

April 27, 2013

Pat and Family, I have just learned of John's passing and I am so sorry. Joe and John were like two big brothers to me when I worked for them in Austin. I spoke to John many years later (maybe in the mid 90's) and he was still the same kind man. I have always kept John and Joe and all of the family in my heart because of their great compassion to others. I know that John will be greatly missed. I am just appreciative that I was able to know him for the time that I did. Much love to you all. Rhonda Roarick Taylor

April 26, 2013

Pat, we are lifting you and family up in our prayers, as you go through this difficult time. John was a friend, and a good man. May God pour out His peace and comfort on you all.

American Heart Association

April 26, 2013

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

Marianne Stich

April 26, 2013

Pat,
I am so sorry to hear about John's death! I have fond memories of both of you and I know this will be a very hard time for all. Please know that you and your family will be in my prayers. May John find peace in his eternal home.

Sarah McMordie Hull

April 26, 2013

Dear Pat,
May you find peace, strength and courage in the coming days. John will be greatly missed.
Love,
Sarah

BUTCH VAN ZANDT

April 26, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Celia Bishop-Finch

April 26, 2013

My sincerest regrets to John's family. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are especially with you Pat. Celia Bishop Finch, McCallum High class of '69

Daniel Zabcik

April 26, 2013

I am so sorry the Witherspoon family has had to endure this loss. I pray that you all may be comforted.

Morris Calhoun

April 26, 2013

John was a good man

Sandy Odom

April 26, 2013

Pat,

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Love, Sandy

Toni Casteel

April 26, 2013

Pat & Boys -- I was so saddened to read of John's passing in today's paper. He was a part of our life both socially (Little League) and professionally. In all areas John was a gentleman and such a godly individual. We trusted him, something difficult to say about too many -- please accept our prayers for your comfort. Having known of his personal faith, there is no doubt he is finally seeing his precious dad, and more importantly, his Lord. Blessings to all of your family.
Toni Casteel & Family

Jack Owen

April 26, 2013

God speed, John

Susie Hubbard

April 18, 2013

May Jesus put His loving arms around you and give you peace

Bronwyn Turner

April 17, 2013

John was just a blessing to know in high school.... always so good natured and kind. I once helped him dissect a goat, some kind of Science Club project?... and he made the whole thing so much fun.
I'm so sorry for your loss, and so thankful to have known him. We'll be praying for you. Bronwyn Jones Turner, McCallum class of '70

Marcus Riker

April 16, 2013

Rest In Peace John

Kelly Witherspoon Zabcik

April 16, 2013

Sometimes in life you are touched by a person so profoundly, it changes who you become. Uncle John was a person like that for me. He was such a loving and gentle person, so kind and deeply compassionate. I have tried to give the kind of grace that he embodied. I was always his little girl, even when I was grown. I will miss how he always called me "Babe!" I love you, Uncle John! Your Kelly Girl

Joe Gomez

April 16, 2013

Dean, my condolences to you and your family. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

Claude Ducloux

April 15, 2013

John, Pat and I graduated from High School. What a wonderful, interesting guy he was. He and Pat also shared a terrific love story. We've missed them here in Austin. When I started my own firm nearly 25 years ago, John was a wonderful resource and help in those efforts. Thanks for everything, John.

April 15, 2013

Oh, Pat, please accept my most sincere condolences. Know that my most positive thoughts are with you and your family!
Roses, Rene

April 15, 2013

John will be greatly missed, but is in the loving arms of the Lord. He was a gentleman and scholar; a good husband, father and brother; and remembered as a friend to many. Pat, please know that you and the entire family are in my prayers and thoughts.

Michal Anne Lord

Thinking of you John, TD

Teresa DeMenge

April 15, 2013

I am deeply saddened by John's passing. We had a few years working together at Zia Trust, Inc. He always had a positive outlook in life and work, and we shared many stories of our common Catholic practices; in Latin. Will miss you my friend...

O.C. Celaya

April 15, 2013

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with John at State National Bank and have lots of fond memories, especially our conversations about the old Wild West. John once jokingly told me I was starting to look like "Lennon" with my new goatee. I thanked him and then he explained he meant "Lenin" and we had a big laugh. He will be missed.

April 15, 2013

To Pat and boys --So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathy Durham Gorman (from the law office)

April 14, 2013

I had the pleasure of working with John. He always made me smile!!! He was a wonderful man and will be strongly missed!!!

Judy Highfill

Bill Cagle

April 14, 2013

Oh, John was such fun! He had that glint in his eye, that impish grin, and a wicked sense of humor combined with a great store of wisdom.

I truly miss him.

April 14, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to you and your family, Patricia. May countless happy memories comfort you.
Ida Steadman

Kim Wynns

April 14, 2013

My sincere condolences to John's family, especially Pat. We were in the same graduating class of 1969 and formed a special friendship that has lasted all these years. It seems like yesterday we were enjoying the graduation cerimonies and sharing our future dreams. John was dating Pat at the time and I could not imagine a better couple then, John will be missed by all that truely knew him
Regrets we can't be there.
Kim & Kathy Wynns
Magnolia, Texas

Jerry & Nancy Morrissey

April 14, 2013

Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Laurie Eckhardt Kincer

April 14, 2013

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our sympathies and prayers are with you and your family. What a bright light John was - I will always remember the last time I spoke with him at the Eckhardt family reunion last October - such a gentle yet strong presence. May God bless him richly for his gentle service.

Gilbert Alonzo

April 14, 2013

Worked with your father at SNB. Great man he will be missed prayers to your family

Jim and Cindy Edgar

April 14, 2013

Dear Pat and family,
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Jim and Cindy Edgar

April 14, 2013

Dear Pat and Sons,
We just wanted to let you know how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Jim and Cindy Edgar

Denny Berry

April 14, 2013

Dear Pat, I was saddened and shocked to get this link from Lisa Smith. I know that the hole in your heart and your life feels unbearable. I am sending my deepest sympathy for your loss and great energy, understanding and love to face the future. Denny Berry

TONI GOMEZ-DAKE

April 14, 2013

PAT,MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES,I WILL NEVER FORGET JOHN'S KINDNESS HIS WARM SMILE AND THE WAY HE ENJOYED LIFE AND LOVED HIS FAMILY,IT WAS A PLEASURE HAVING HIM IN MY SPANISH CLASS.

Fernando N. Garcia

April 13, 2013

Dear Pat:
A prayer for you and your family.

April 13, 2013

Dear Pat, I just learned of John's death. I send loving, deep condolences. You and John were, in my mind, the quintessential couple: forever supportive of each other in cherished love, unwavering friendship and steadfast citizenship. I wish you enduring strength in these, the darkest of days. Phillis Jeffrey

Marianne Gillespie

April 13, 2013

Dear Witherspoon family, especially Pat, Terry and Andy. I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband and father has told me so often what you all meant to him. His flame will burn on thru you all.

I have had the prevalence to work with John the last 4 years of his career prior to his retirement. John would always tell me death is a part of live. John thank you for everything you taught me. I will miss your stories, your kindness, your love for plants and flowers, animals (Old Petey will be waiting for you) and your impersonations . 10-4 John.

April 13, 2013

Pat, I just wanted to send along my love and hope that you and your family remain strong throughout what must be a very difficult time.
Mark Knapp

Rick Cherwitz

April 13, 2013

Pat,

I am so sorry to hearing about John's passing. Your friends and colleagues at UT are thinking of you and your family.

Rick Cherwitz

Rhonda Rose

April 13, 2013

What a special legacy of fortitude and kindness.
We will feel the loss for a long long time.
Rhonda Rose (Jim's friend)

Cynthia Van Antwerp

April 13, 2013

Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I went to school with John in elementary and you and John at McCallum. My family is sending prayers to you and your family.

Cynthia (Cindi Wright) Van Antwerp

Terry Witherspoon

April 13, 2013

I wish for one more moment with you. The light to your candle was extinguished far too soon. I wont hear your voice, see your smile, or feel your hug anymore. I know you wouldn't want me to be sad, but it's hard not to be sad for the great hole you loss has made in my heart. I will continue your legacy of awesome fatherhood with Sovay. Please help and guide me and all my love to you.

Terry

Terry Witherspoon

April 12, 2013

I wish I could see you one more time
come walking through the door, but I know that is impossible.
I will hear your voice no more.
I know you can feel my tears
and you don't want me to cry; yet my heart is broken
because I can't understand
why someone so precious had to die.
I pray that God will give me strength
and somehow get me through this heartache of losing you. I Will Always Love You! Your Son Terry

April 12, 2013

Dear Pat,

I am so sorry to hear about John. I went to school with him and you at McCallum. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Bill Worley

April 12, 2013

Dear Dr. Witherspoon & Family ~

Please accept our condolences and know that we are thinking of you.

Sending Love & Peace,

DeAnna, Steve, Georgia & Nikolas Varela

Libby Hamilton

April 12, 2013

My prayers are with the entire Witherspoon family during this difficult time.
Libby Hamilton

Lisa Haffelder

April 12, 2013

Thank you for being such a wonderful role model for me. I will never forget the way your kindness impacted my life.

Irasema Coronado

April 12, 2013

Dear Pat, Just to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family during this sad time. You once shared with me how John was your high school sweetheart- that story warmed my heart. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Irasema Coronado and Roberto Perezdiaz

Brian Yothers

April 12, 2013

Dear Pat,
We were so sorry to learn of your loss. You and your family are very much in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathies.
Maryse Jayasuriya and Brian Yothers

April 12, 2013

Dear Pat,

We are so sorry to hear about your husband. Our thoughts are with you.

Albert Wong and Pam Herron

Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results

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