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John Creveling Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Creveling
Gary Patterson
May 30, 2019
Dear Judy and Family, 29 May 19
My family moved to Corpus Christi from Indiana in 195l. John and I met in the 7th grade at Wynn Seale Jr. High. I've forgotten the circumstances, but I began to hear about "JC" from cute girls who had a crush on him, well before we met. I knew nobody, and he was friendly, outgoing, yet a serious student. He and Bubba Rosson were good friends, and I liked both of them.
In the 9th grade many of us were transferred to newly built Hamlin Jr. High, and John and I had lunch and a few classes together, went to the same parties, and even dated the same girls. I played football. John did not but was the manager of the football team and was pretty fast in the quarter mile as well. His sense of humor began to blossom -- he was very popular and everyone liked him. People were also impressed with his dad being the Packard dealer in town.
At W.B. Ray from the 10th through the 12th grades we had several classes and were in a couple of clubs together, namely Guys 'n Gals and The Esquires. They sponsored dances, with formal invitations, dress requirements, and the dances were held at nice venues such as the Nueces Hotel, the Country Club, and the Privateers Club. The social scene in Corpus was extraordinary and we loved it. The girls were beautiful and dressed elegantly, and John never lacked for dates.
He was a good tennis player, and we played often on the courts at Ray. He always drove a nice car, often a big Packard, and we double dated frequently. He treated those cars with respect. I never knew him to race in them or drive foolishly.
Our circle of close friends grew larger at Ray and soon included Bill Taber, Byron Gierhart, Parke Young, Bryan (Bubba) Rosson, Richard Sallee, Jim Brown, Fred (Ted) Rhodes, and George Taggart. I believe it was Byron who named us The Pack. We never lacked for laughs or ideas on how to have fun in seaside Corpus, whether it be water skiing, swimming on the island, fishing, hunting, accompanied by our favorite girls, if at all possible.
In high school John began to really like and become skillful at hunting deer and birds. He favored the 20 gauge shotgun and the .270 caliber rifle. Bubba thought otherwise, and they researched and brought comparison charts to discuss/argue over at school. I took John's advice and later bought what he recommended. John took me hunting several times. I froze but was glad to be with, and to learn much from, him. I was never the good shot he came to be. Despite his positive attitude and good nature, there was one task that John seemed to despise. Apparently, early on, John's dad mandated that John sweep off the sidewalk in front their beautiful home every day. So no matter where he was, John made sure he was home at the proper time to complete the task. Of course, it didn't help that we made a good deal of hambone out of that.
After Ray, I went off to Texas A&I and most of the other Pack guys went to UT. I visited an SAE party up there and confirmed that, for me, I should remain at A&I, despite their urging to join them.
After college we attended each other's weddings to wonderful women -- probably our wisest decisions. I chose the Army as my career, and John excelled in the car business. We saw each other at reunions and at Rosalee King Coleman's dove hunts. I missed him.
This is all by way of background and doesn't say enough about John the person or John the extraordinary business man. So .... John was a sharp student. He caught on quickly and paid attention in class. We competed for grades, and he made more than his fare share. He was a gentleman but had a cutting sense of humor. We all kidded around with each other, creating good natured laughter, but when he'd had enough, especially from Bubba, he's retort humorously with a remark that would cut you to the bone and end that particular session. He was adventurous and loved the outdoors. You could count on his word -- he would carry through with what he said he'd do. He was handsome and always respectful toward girls/women, and they were attracted to him.
He took care of business. I visited him at his office, had lunch and talked cars. He had just purchased the property on SPID. It was a considerable step out/gamble at the time and he asked me to pray for him. His farsightedness and expertise became very profitable.
He told me his average employee had stayed with him more than 15 years. That says a lot, and verified his leadership style of treating his employees using the Golden Rule and paying them above the norm.
Nathan Taggart, having just graduated from Baylor, sold trucks for John for a year. He impressed John immensely, and John told me Nathan was a natural. Nathan said John's reputation among his employees and his business associates was sterling. He was a man everyone admired.
I could go on, but must close. Writing this has brought back so many good memories. Maybe I could have written something shorter, but when it comes to my brother John W. Creveling, how could I?
Gary Patterson
May 28, 2019
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.
Robert Lopez
May 20, 2019
Ms. C
I worked for you husband in Corpus Christi
. He was very kind and understanding when
My dad passed. I want you to let jack and Jody know our prayers are with you all .atthis time.
Rebecca Galaviz
May 20, 2019
With heartfelt sympathy over the loss of your loved one, John. May the power of prayer ease your sorrow, give you peace and provide much comfort for you during this difficult time. Matthew 21:22
Ricky Groos
May 20, 2019
Judy,
I just found out about John's passing and wanted to express my deepest condolences to you and the family, if not too late. John was a great friend and person and Marty and I thoroughly enjoyed the times we were lucky enough to spend with you as couples, all of which will be remembered with fondest memories.
Ricky Groos
Bruce Dittmar
May 19, 2019
RIP My friend
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