John Lightfoot

The Rose Man of Cass County Has Died
John Lightfoot, known to many as "The Rose Man," passed away Friday at the age of 80 after complications from a fall. A native of Bloomburg, TX, John was the seventh of eight children born to Ira and Carrie Lightfoot.
John was a storyteller, a survivor, and a man who loved to make people smile. Stricken by polio at age 12, he committed himself to becoming a legendary marksman. At 17, he joined the Army National Guard, serving six years. His quick draw and sharp wit earned him both praise and trouble, but he cherished the camaraderie of service. In 1966, John married the love of his life, Judy Collins. Together they shared 59 years of joys and hardships, raising four children and welcoming nine grandchildren, with their first great-grandchild on the way.
In 1976 a falling tree left John permanently disabled. He endured immense pain but continued to provide for his family as a house painter, climbing ladders and roofs with determination. Through it all, he kept making his famous paper roses-over two million by family estimates. He never sold them, insisting, "I trade for smiles, and I can't go down on my price." John's other passion was showmanship. Even after his injury, he amazed with feats of speed and precision using guns, knives, and whips, embodying the heroes of the Westerns he adored. In later years, many knew him simply as the kindly man in a cowboy hat handing out roses. He was proud to be remembered that way.
John is survived by his wife Judy; children Janet (Eric) Buffamante, Joel (Steen) Lightfoot, Joshua (Kimberley) Lightfoot, and James Lightfoot; nine grandchildren; his sister, Topsy Louise (Wally) Fassbender; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and six brothers.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm at Hanner Funeral Service.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 am, Thursday, December 11, 2025, at New Hope Baptist Church, with Charles Hale officiating, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service.
Interment will be in New Hope Cemetery.