Johnny Wayne Gestes

Johnny Wayne Gestes passed away Friday, December 14, 2018. The family will gather to celebrate his life of 72 years at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018, at Lorenzo Cemetery.

Johnny Wayne Gestes was born on November 15, 1946 to William and Ora Nichols Gestes in Ralls, TX. He was the seventh of seven children. He had five brothers, W.O., Jr., Thomas, Harold, J. M., Jackie, and one sister, Ann.

John grew up in Lorenzo, Texas. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord and was baptized at the First Baptist Church, Lorenzo. He was a great multi-sport athlete in Lorenzo High School, he was voted by his classmates “Most Likely to Succeed”. After graduating from high school, he attended Texas Tech University from 1965 through 1969.

After high school, John married his high school sweetheart, Linda Swetnam. A son, Jody, was born November 23, 1966, and after marrying Hope Robertson in 1971, a son, Johnny II, was born July 6, 1972.

John served with great distinction as a Sgt. in the US Army (1969-71), in active combat in the Vietnam War, in the US Army Reserves (1971-75), was honorably discharged, and was the recipient of six service and commendation medals. He was a true blue American hero.

A man of many talents, he worked in various capacities over the years including carpenter (framer), apartment manager, mechanic, security, and the US Postal Service.

Survivors include his sons, Jody Gestes and wife, Carla; Johnny Wayne Gestes, II; grandchildren, Greg Gestes, Lexi Gestes, Jacelyn Gestes, Austin Gestes, Katerina Gestes, Garrett Gestes, Autumn Gestes, Ragen Gestes, Desire Canedo, Jacob Canedo; and sister, Ann Parchman.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Oscar Gestes, mother, Ora Lee Gestes; and five brothers.