John Christopher Texter

1969 - 2024

NEW SMYRNA BEACH - John Christopher Texter, 55, passed away Sept. 7, 2024, at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. John fought a ferocious battle with Interstitial Lung Disease caused by an unknown autoimmune disease that resulted in pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs. He was a brave warrior, who never gave up and never lost his sense of humor.
Visitation will take place 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 12, at Lankford Funeral Home in DeLand, followed by a service at noon the same day at Lankford. A reception is planned for 2-4 p.m. that day.
On Sunday, Oct. 13, there will be a Memorial Paddle Out at 8:30 a.m. in front of the New Smyrna Beach Lifeguard Station. A gathering will follow at noon at Sorry Charlie's Corner, 3705 State Road 44 in New Smyrna Beach. Come out and show your love for John and share your stories.
John was born May 8, 1969, in Winter Park, to Dennis Albert Texter and Lois PerMar Texter.
He graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1987, and studied law enforcement at Daytona State College.
John started his lifelong career with Volusia County Beach Safety as a lifeguard. He became certified as an emergency medical technician, and then went into law enforcement, where he utilized all three certifications, and retired as a senior beach patrol officer in October 2020.
During his tenure with Volusia County, John was a hero to many. He saved countless lives, was a mentor to many, including young law-enforcement officers and lifeguards, and was a pillar in the community, where he was unfailingly generous with his time.
In addition to being known for his penchant for assigning everyone a nickname, John was also a gifted athlete. He represented Team Morey Boogie Bodyboard, where he was All-Time Champion for the Eastern Surfing Association in 1985 and 1986. He also represented the North Central Florida District in the East Coast Pioneer in Men's Body Boarding for the Eastern Surfing Association, winning back-to-back 1987-90.
John was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend to many.
After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife and friends, and time well-spent with his daughter. Sadly, he left us too soon, but the memories will always live on with us.
John is survived by Kathy, his loving, devoted wife and best friend; former spouse Kimberley Whalen Texter and their daughter, Summer Texter, and Summer's fiancé Garrett Capman of DeLand; his mother, Lois PerMar Texter; his brother, Dennis Texter and his wife; along with Kathy's family, mom and stepdad Jackie and Vince Naglieri; sister Karen Lutz; sister and brother-in-law Angela and Butch Eicher; and several nieces and nephews and great-nephews. John was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Albert Texter.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Lankford is in charge.