Search by Name

Search by Name

John Estes Obituary

ESTES, JOHN HAROLD 'JACK', Senior Master Sergeant (E-8)(Retired), United States Air Force, passed away in San Antonio, Texas on August 29, 2008, at the age of 76.

A native of Rhode Island, he was a 1949 graduate of East Providence High School. During the Korean War he served two years on active duty with the 43rd Infantry Division, RING. In 1954 he took up residence in Los Angeles, CA, where he resided until enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1956. His retirement, in 1980, ended a 26-year military career which took him to thirty-five of the Unites States and twenty foreign countries, including a combat tour during the Vietnam War. Among his sixteen military awards and decorations is the Meritorious Service Medal which was awarded by authorization of the President of the United States. Estes held degrees from San Antonio, TX, College and Blackstone School of Law, Chicago, IL.

He was preceded, in death, by his second wife, Phyllis Joanne Estes, a native of Centralia, Missouri. Estes is survived by five children from a previous marriage, Diana Mary Anne Estes-Aprile, Bohemia, NY; Deborah Jeanne Hitt, Lowell, AR; Donna Lorraine Aiken, Fredericksburg, TX; Denise Kathleen Kilinski, Interlochen, MI; and John Michael Estes, Spring Branch, TX. Other survivors include five grandsons, three granddaughters, and four great granddaughters, and two great grandsons.

Burial was at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

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

Published by The Providence Journal on Sep. 9, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Estes

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Debbie Hitt

September 20, 2008

Celebrating a life well lived, we will charish the memories forever. I miss you Dad. I will never forget how much you loved everyone of us, I will live the rest of my life with you in my heart and with a memory of all of the days we had together, you and me and as a family. We all miss you terribly. We will all be together again one day. I love you Dad. Until we see each other again. Love Deb.

Denise Kilinski

September 11, 2008

Dad,
We love you, we'll miss you, but know it was time to say good-bye. You are at rest now with your loved ones on the other side. Forever you will live within my heart. I'll forever brag about... my dad. I'm always so proud of your fantastic lifes acheivements, giving me strength to succeed. Thank you Thank you Dad for all you did, for all you continue to do for me in my life. "If it's going to be it's up to me." You taught me. I love you, Your wisdom I will forever hold dear. I can't stop looking at your pictures. Miss you. Thank you for all the great conversations throughout the years. Thank You for taking the time to write about yourself for us when I asked back in 1998, stories we all can pass on to our children. Thank You for being my friend. Most of all Thank You for my nickname Nisie.
Love, Nisie

Diana Estes

September 10, 2008

Dear Dad,
Though the journey of life was a long one, I am glad you are finally at peace. I am sure your Mom met you with open arms. She waited a long time to see you again.
The pride you had in all five of your children was unsurpassed. We will all do our best to deserve it.
Love, Diana, Rob, David, Gwyneth & Brienna

donna Aiken

September 10, 2008

You will always live in our hearts and prayers. I Love and miss you,having you in our home in those final day's I will alway's remember. I am very glad I was able to take care of you. Love You Donna

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in John Estes's name

Memorial Events
for John Estes

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

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 Estes'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