To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton.
JAMES M. PATON - (KCNW) WACO, TX
July 12, 2025
I was recently writing about John - in my "memoirs." Now I find an email notice that someone added to his Guest Book. Elated to discover that John still remains in the hearts and mind of others. An adage created a few years ago, "If we don't write our own true story or become famous, one day we're discovered without a story - merely a name etched on a stone. - James Paton" John encompasses several paragraphs in my memoirs. He was a special person and more than worth of telling only part of his story. His friends and family can share their stories about John by visiting his permanent, online memorial at Find a Grave. I miss the man and I know others will miss him forever, too. I'll share something my mother always added to the handwritten letters she sent to me, "Stay close to God." God Speed, John.
Tom Dethmers
July 11, 2025
It's hard to believe John has been gone almost 3 years. He was one of the best friendships I made in Texas, starting back in 2004. It still doesn't seem quite real he's gone. I hope he's up in a 59 El Dorado convertible, cruising around the sky somewhere.
william basinski
March 18, 2024
Dearest Donna, Jamie and I were so sad to find out just today about your darling John's passing. We send you and yours our deepest condolences and much love. What a joy it was to know y'all. Jamie is mostly at the farm now in Celeste taking care of his elderly mom. would love to see you one of these days. What fun we had in the old days on the Bug Tussle Trek. as everyone says, John was a delight! as are you! much love, billy and jamie from Celeste
Gray Bailey Bridges
October 4, 2023
Remembering my old, sweet, friend on this sad anniversary. Love to friends and family.
CULLEN GOOD
October 12, 2022
I would firstly like to offer my condolences to the family. I am from Ontario Canada and was one of John's customers. I always looked forward to speaking with him and, appreciated his low-key manner and prompt courteous service. Cullen
Good. 1968 Cadillac Deville Convertible
Shane, Annette and Bev
October 11, 2022
My heart is broken to hear is sad new, had very fond memories of our trips with the Cadillac club with you guys and my folks. My kids loved you and Donna dearly! R.I.P Honest John
J Lackey
October 11, 2022
My father( Jessie Lester Lackey ) and John were great friends many years ago. They went to many Cadillac functions together. They enjoyed each others company immensely talking about cars and such. My condolences to the family
Charles R Tunstall
October 8, 2022
Sammy, Lord Shiply, Honest John , John Edward Foust IV whatever the name a legend. A very close friend, a beautiful guy. Very sad for the passing. Wish for peace
Dan Busby
October 6, 2022
As a kid, there are few people, that make you go “damn I want to be like that guy”. He was one of them. From his chill vibe, to his amazing sense of humor. I’ll never forget you brother! I love you!
E.R. & S Milner
October 3, 2022
John was “one of a kind.” As a neighbor, we always knew he was watching out for us; when we were ill, he comforted us; when he visited us, we could expect laughter; when he told stories of his childhood, we were entertained. Even though we are temporarily away fro our house, we still miss him and hearing that infectious laugh. John, we are relieved that you are free of pain and will be sharing joy to all those lucky people in Heaven. E.R. and Sue Milner
James M. Paton, Palm Beach, FL
October 3, 2022
I am profoundly saddened to learn of John´s passing and I share in the sorrow that his family now bears.
I met Honest John in the early 1980´s when I was trading work for flying lessons from Captain Jess E. Shryack at the Flying "S" Farm in Justin, TX (Airport ID: 3TX2), which has also "Gone West." At the time, I was rebuilding the engine in a 1922 Cadillac in Jess´ hangar and John was instrumental in finding some spare parts for that car. Jess was a retired American Airlines DC-10 captain and John had purchased a large parcel of land east of our runway (Runway 17) to store some his Cadillacs. I remember the day John moved the first of many Cadillac´s that would eventually fill the entire pasture.
John always wore brilliantly colorful shirts, which made him easy to identify in the middle of any crowd. John never spoke of his work in the funeral business, but he loved to talk "Cadillac´s."
The saddest part of "getting old" is eventually losing all of your family, friends and acquaintances. I´ll miss him, but I am certain that I will see him again one day when it is also my time to put west on the compass for the final time.
Sunny skies, smooth air and happy landings.
Godspeed, John!
Marcia Carleson ( Nora's /JP's sister)
October 2, 2022
Oh my , I am sorry to
hear of Honest John's passing. He always brought light wherever he went. It has been many years since we saw John and Donna , but we still feel their warmth in our hearts. DONNA please know we send our love and we mourn with you. And the stars over Texas shine brighter, now that Honest John has found his way home. Rest in PEACE friend.
Deborah Vest
October 2, 2022
Love you forever, Dearest friend. You bring joy and thoughtfulness to all in your path. I'm so grateful for our time.
Love, Debby
Bill DeBerry, Jr. & Andrew DeBerry
October 2, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Sandy McClendon Thomas
October 2, 2022
What a wonderful human and sweet soul. You will be missed dearly by many! So lucky to have known your sweet family and to call your sweet sweet sister my dear friend. Rest In Peace!!
Hans Decker
October 1, 2022
I first met John about 10 years ago when I needed a correct heater for my ´56 Cadillac. It was an involved process, with several shipments of parts to West Virginia and interface with my mechanic to get them installed, but was eventually completed successfully. I spoke with John numerous times over the phone during the process and mentioned my frequent business trips to Fort Worth. He responded with a standing invite to his Friday lunches. I accepted his hospitality many times and we became fast friends. We almost always went to a different interesting restaurant and "Honest" would never let me pay. He would regale me with stories of the funeral and Cadillac business over lunch, then drive around in a vintage Cadillac and show me some local points of interest. Gal (now wife) Maria and I also struck up a friendship with John´s lovely wife Donna. Thankfully, I stopped in to see John last June right before he left for the big Cadillac show in Germany. He was his usual self, fielding constant phone calls for Cadillac parts. He was always very polite and patient with potential customers, then he would grouse good-naturedly to me about how clueless some of the requests were. As others posting have said, John was a kind, loving, generous soul who will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend!
Jeff Malo
September 30, 2022
I was a frequent (!) customer of John since 1989 until my Cadillac restoration was completed in the late 1990's. I talked with him on the phone countless times and met up with him at several Grand National events. What a tremendous person he was! He always took time to chat when I called, his products were always top quality and his prices were fair and "Honest" just like he was. Every parts dealer could take a lesson from John on how to treat customers and turn business into friendships! His wife Donna came from Upstate NY where I am originally from and if anyone reads this and knows Donna, please give her my sincere & heartfelt condolences. John will be truly missed.
Debbie Rhine
September 30, 2022
My heart felt condolences to Johns family. Your life was rich to have him and you are all his legacy. I'm blessed to have been his friend.
Dave Teague
September 29, 2022
In a world filled with copies, John was an original.
A true gentleman.
And friend.
1975
Gregory Busby
September 29, 2022
I'll miss your laugh
I'll miss your dry sense of humor
I'll miss your spot-on impersonations
But most of all...
I'll miss your hugs
Soar with the angels my brother.
I'll see you on the other side.
Bear Peanut Busby
September 29, 2022
Unckle peanut as We called each other is a fun and loving soul, that I will mis dearly on the physical plane.. We had a lot of good times, I really enjoyed going out to the Cadi Corner and hearing about all the fun adventures my dad and he got to spend together They enjoyed a true friendship and John was always an uncle to me. He’s a hard to find, special person that always lights up the room. Until later peanut, see you in the garden of souls.
Bruce Scaff
September 29, 2022
John was a nonconformist
an artist
a great story teller
a generous giver
a true leader
a great friend.
He made the world a better and happier place and we will miss him dearly.
We love you John!
from Bruce and Rose
Lisa and Fred Bowles
September 28, 2022
Oh my friend John where do I start? So many grand memories of you. Poker games, A-frame house, marrying my lovely friend Donna. Victoria Texas. Your soft kind voice always letting everyone know it would be okay. Your faith in our Father and love for Jesus! Your unconditional love for Donna and your family and friends!! Then growing apart for a few years
And back together again with you and Donna joining the Lodge. Asking “where’s Freddy boy?” To “I know your poker face like no other!” While hiding your eyes behind those NTSU:UNT shades. Watching you enjoy your love for cars and the amazing times you were there to drive your finest Cadillac for a NTSF Rodeo Queen, during many other parades and events all around Texas and getting that great gas mileage of maybe 4mph.
The way you took care of Donna and doting over her all the time. The stories you wrote and the art you created will always be cherished! Fly high my friend. Until we meet again. Love you! Lisa and Fred
Debra Blackshear Rucker
September 28, 2022
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. John was one of a kind. I will never forget his sweet smile and him calling me "sister" each time we met. (He picked that up from my brothers when we were kids and never stopped, it warmed my heart that he didn't). He was such a sweet soul and will be deeply missed by so many. May he Rest In Peace.
Debra Blackshear Rucker
September 28, 2022
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. He was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by so many of us. I will always remember John calling me "sister" simply because he was friends with my brother's and that's what they have always called me. He continued that habit into adulthood and it warmed my heart. He was such a sweet soul, may he Rest In Peace.
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
Funeral services provided by:
Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors - Denton2025 West University, Denton, TX 76201
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more