John E. Vanderweide

John E. VanderWeide passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at his home in Tomball, Texas. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, John lived a full and vibrant life of 94 years, marked by faith, service, and love for his family and friends.
John graduated from Central High School in Grand Rapids in 1947. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1956 as a 2nd Lieutenant and Fighter/Interceptor Pilot. A skilled aviator, he graduated second in his class and piloted the F-86 Sabre Jet, achieving membership in the prestigious "Mach Busters Club" as one of the first to break the speed of sound in a jet. During his service he met and married the love of his life, Nina Petty VanderWeide and they had their first son, Douglas.
After his military service, John returned to Michigan, where he built a successful career in sales within the industrial coatings industry. John and Nina retired to Georgetown, Texas in 1997 where they lived for lived for 26 years, later moving to Tomball, Texas.
In his retirement, John embraced life to the fullest. An avid golfer, he enjoyed countless days on the golf course and treasured time spent with family and friends. Known for his love of sports, card games, jokes, and pranks, he brought joy to those around him. Above all, John was a devoted Christian who loved God deeply, faithfully attended church, and served his community in various capacities.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Maude VanderWeide; his brothers, Harold and Roger VanderWeide; and his son, Douglas VanderWeide.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Nina VanderWeide. Their children, Keith (Martha) VanderWeide, Denise (Kevin) Kiel, Daniel (Tammy) VanderWeide. Grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Gutierrez, Alyson (Joey) Palazzolo, Joshua VanderWeide, Caleb VanderWeide, Zachary (Libby) VanderWeide, and Kyle VanderWeide. Great Grandchildren Kayden Palazzolo, Jackson Palazzolo, Audrey Gutierrez and Noah Gutierrez.
John's fun-loving spirit and unwavering faith will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, December 6th, 10:30am at Second Baptist Cypress, 29900 Highway 290, Cypress Texas 77433.