John I. Oliver Jr.

John Irvin Oliver, Jr. 84 of Pasadena, TX went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 6, 2013 at his home with his family at his side. His journey complete. His friends only hope Heaven was ready, because John was quite a character. If you did not know John personally, you knew someone who did. He was born March 1, 1928 to John Irvin, Sr. and Fannie Walker Oliver. From his childhood in Vanderbilt, TX to his time of service in the Army during the Korean War, where he earned the Purple Heart, to his sixty plus years as a proud member of Pipefitter 211 Union, to his successful career in construction and investments begun as a kid on his daddy's coattails, John made many friends along the way and kept them for life. John's friends called him an entrepreneur, John just preferred to be called an ol' horse trader. He was fair and square in all that he did. John also had fond memories of his friends and time spent in the good Sams Club and Roving Gypsies. John's legacy will be one of generosity and of family, and everyone was family. His knew no labels; there were no steps, no ex, and no in laws just family. John is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marguerite Rathke and his first wife, Gwin. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Dorothy and children Judy and Robert Smith, Gary and Jeanette Gray, Sharen and Floyd Burden, Karen and Bill Luyties, and Robert and Rosie Martin. He is further survived by grandchildren, Stacy and Dean Guerra, Brian and Becky Gray and Dr. Jennifer and Gavin Wright, John Burden, James Burden, William and Andrea Luyties, Captain Robert and Risha Luyties, Kerri and David Smith, Ryan Martin and Robert Martin. Additionally John leaves behind 8 great grandchildren, Hillarie Gray, Jessica Gray, Zachary Gray, Gage Wright, Emma Luyties, Megan Luyties, Jordan Guerra and Bridgette Duncan and one nephew. John is also survived by special friends he simply called " the boys", those he mentored through life.

Two visitations are scheduled, both at Rosewood Funeral Home 3939 Pasadena Blvd. in Pasadena, TX. The first will be Sunday February 10, 2013 from 2 - 4 PM and the second will be prior to the service from 12 - 2 PM. Funeral Services will be at 2 PM on Monday February 11, 2013 also at Rosewood Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Grandview Cemetery in Pasadena. Pastor Debra Proctor of Deer Park United Methodist Church and Associate Pastor Jim Overton of South Avenue Baptist Church will officiate. In lieu of usual remembrances, you are encouraged to make donations in John's name to Deer Park United Methodist Church 1301 E. 13th Street Deer Park, Texas 77536.

Life's Journey is over, but the gates of memory never close.

Please share Words of comfort with the family at www.Rosewood.cc under 'Current Services'.