Obituaries

Aransas Pass - John Earl Ivey, age 82, passed away Tuesday, January 3rd, 2023 at Hunt Regional Clinic in Greenville, Texas. His lingering health issues became too much for him to bare and he let go around 10:30pm. John was born January 10th, 1940 in Donna, Texas to Ella Beatrice Ivey and Earl Ivey. John spent his childhood in the Rio Grande Valley. He quit school in the 7th grade to pick watermelons to help support his family. He would later earn his GED and join the Air Force. He would continue to be a hardworking man his entire life. His failing health is the only thing that slowed him down. He was a proud retired veteran of the United States Air Force and enjoyed serving his country. He served his entire career as a jet engine technician with SAC and was decorated with numerous awards for his initiatives in improving safety procedures. He served in the Vietnam War in the early 70’s and amongst many other commendations was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. His time in the service allowed him to travel the U.S. and the world with his family and build wonderful memories together. Many of our favorite memories are from traveling the country, usually in a station wagon with a dog or two. It was crowded for a family of 6 but it was a wonderful experience. John was a nationally recognized professional square dance caller. With his good looks (he always dressed and looked sharp) and smooth, deep baritone voice, he was a very popular square dance singer in the mid 70’s and was requested to sing at many major events. He enjoyed spreading his love for square dancing and gave lessons until the age of 74. His love for fishing was second only to his love for his 56 Chevy. He spent most of his 70’s rebuilding this car with his children and grandchildren. He always said “Fishing and working on the 56 Chevy was fun but it was always more fun with his children”. Family was always first and foremost with him! As a benefit of growing up in the Valley, he spoke very fluent Spanish. His favorite gag when we visited a restaurant in Mexico was to point to all of his daughters-in-law and tell the waiters they were actually his girlfriends. They believed him. He was a beloved member of a large family with 5 brothers and 2 sisters.