1925
2013
Salinas
John Lewis Rivers Sr.
John Lewis Rivers Sr., 88, of Salinas, passed away Saturday, September 21, 2013. He was born July 21, 1925, in Hampton County, South Carolina.
John enlisted in the Army in 1943 in Hampton County, S.C. at the age of 18. After completing boot camp at Ft. Hood Texas, he was on his way to Europe to fight the Nazi's during WWII. In June 1944, his unit participated in the initial assault at Normandy Beach in France. John received a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge.
John married his sweetheart, Mary, in 1947 and had three children before he joined the Korean War effort in 1950. Mary and John were blessed with two more children in 1952 and 1954.
In 1962, he was transferred to Germany with his family where he was stationed in Stuttgart and Schweinfurt for three years. He was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in 1963. In 1965, John was transferred to Fort Ord. In 1966, the U.S. Army called on him once again to support the war effort in South Vietnam.
Upon his return from Vietnam in 1967, John retired from Active Duty service as a Chief Warrant Officer Two. John is a true American hero with many awards, commendations and honors including: The Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (4 awards), National Defense Medal (2 awards), Europe-Africa Middle East Campaign Medal (5 awards), WWII Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Korean War Service Medal (2 medals), Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, United Nations Korean Service Medal, M-14 Rifle (expert) Device, M1 Rifle (sharpshooter), Device and many more certificates of commendation.
After 22 years of exceptional service to his country, John, Mary and their five children settled in San Benancio Canyon, Salinas. John was an automotive prodigy that served the community well as a business owner and friend. Known as the "Mayor of Harper Canyon", John selflessly looked after his neighbors and his community for 58 faithful years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Edna Rivers; daughters, Carole Russell and Marlene Rivers; parents, William Hersey Rivers and Mary Rosella Rivers; and siblings, William Martin Rivers, Sara Rosa Lee Rivers and William Delano Rivers.
John is survived by his daughter, Barbara L. Rivers of Salinas; daughter, Lois A. Brennan of Los Molinos; son, John L. (Tami) Rivers Jr. of Salinas; eight grandchildren, Kerri L. (Scott) Russell-Bates of Oregon, Padraic I. (Angela) Russell of Oregon, Misty D. (Mike) Hummel of Salinas, Jeremy G. (Noelle) Merrill of San Diego, Nathan A. Brennan of Salinas, Lynette R. Brennan of Los Molinos, Lacy L. (Jon) Howerton of Arizona, Katherine R. Rivers of Valencia; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Lucy N. Altman of South Carolina, Bobbi J. Huber of Salinas, Mary "Libbie" E. (Will) Sanford of South Carolina; and numerous nieces, nephews and his beloved cat "Tia".
Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, 2013, at Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2013, at Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal St., Salinas, CA 93901.
Immediately following the service, A Celebration of Life will be held at Villa Serra, 1320 Padre Drive, Salinas, CA 93901.
Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA 22211.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Post 6849, P.O. Box 702, Spreckels, CA 93962.
Arrangements by Alta Vista Mortuary, 831-424-9700.
Online condolences: www.altavistamortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Miss you so much Papa. Wish I could be with you. It's hard to get through each day without you.
Lacy Howerton
May 22, 2014
I miss you each and everyday.
xoxo
Katie Rivers
May 21, 2014
Miss you so much and think about you everyday, although I know you are with me in spirit. Please give Mom and Mutti sugar for me. Love you, always and forever.
Katie
May 21, 2014
Hi Papa...
I love you and miss
you. ???
Give my mom, muttie, carole
and marlene a big hug and kiss for me.
Tami
Tami Rivers
May 19, 2014
Whenever a Purple Heart Patriot leaves us, we know, only too well that sacrifice made for his comrades, his loved ones and his Nation. Our members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 549 Monterey Bay render a final Salute.
Respectfully, Gerald Pitman - Commander MOPH Ch. 549
October 14, 2013
I forgot to add my name to the below entry (Oct. 11th)
Kerri Russell
October 11, 2013
My grandfather (Poppa) was a very special person in my life and helped to shape who I am today. I am forever grateful to him and my grandmother for their love and kindness. They always took the time and had an interest in my life. I miss them dearly, but know they are in a good place and will continue their work from above.
October 11, 2013
I haven't seen my great great uncle John in quite some time, but I am proud that I was able to call him family.
Rachael Ruble
October 9, 2013
I haven't seen my great great uncle John in quite some time, but I am so proud to have had him as family.
October 9, 2013
Love you Papa so much. Rest in paradise my angel and my hero.
Lacy Howerton
October 3, 2013
John was the best neighbor anyone could ever have. The Mayor of Harper Canyon was so generous with his time and his tools - and he could talk!
Ann Hill
September 27, 2013
Always and forever in my heart, my dearest Poppa, my hero.
Katie Rivers
September 26, 2013
Our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Alta Vista Mortuary
September 25, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss, John was such a special person. Always there to help, such a gentle, caring man. So many wonderful memories of growing up in Harper Canyon. Prayers and thoughts are with all of you. Ramona and Kelsey
Ramona Donkers
September 25, 2013
J.R., may God grant you peace of heart during time of grief.
Ron & Judie Geissler
September 25, 2013
We were so sorry to hear of John's passing. Barbara, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a special man.
David & Kathy Shaw
September 25, 2013
Rich and I are deeply sadden at the passing of "Uncle John" he will be truly missed. I hope to attend at the burial at Arlington. To the rest of the family, I send my love and condolences.
Kathy and Richard O'Connell
September 25, 2013
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