John Wesley Hamby

John earned his wings on God’s timeline and ascended into the heavens to be with the love of his life, on April 6, 2023, at the age of 91. He wanted to be home, and was surrounded by family. After him seeing the beautiful view from his living room window, he was truly at peace. Soon after, his time on earth ended, and his new heavenly journey began.

He was born in Wayne, Oklahoma to Lester and Alberta Hamby. He was a second born, and only boy of five siblings. He met the love of his life Barbara Etta Hamby, and they were married in 1968. At which time his family of two daughters from a previous marriage; Karen (Mike) Hamby, Patsy (Frank) Gonzalez, was extended with Barbara’s three daughters; Teresa (Javier) Fonseca, Tina Cunningham-Nourian and Toni Cunningham-Meek. He was a very proud Veteran, retired 20 1/2 year Navy Chief. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served from June 9, 1949 to July 21, 1970. He earned a number of medals and awards, A National Defense service medal, a Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Action ribbon, Good Conduct medal 5th award, Meritorious Unit Commendation medal, and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal for serving two tours in Vietnam. To earn those medals, he served in combat and on many highly sought after ships in war over seas protecting our country. After traveling the world and retiring from the Navy, he made their home in Lindsay, Ca. He started his next career as a Foreman for Sierra Citrus Packing House. He retired from Sunkist after 20 years, and lived a life taking care of an orange grove and their beautiful landscaped property. His and Barbara‘s hard teamwork was always admired by all who knew them. His passion to provide and love his family was beyond life. He enjoyed watching hundreds of quail and wild bird species along with hundreds of hummingbirds that they fed daily.

He’s survived by two siblings; Evon Kirby, Mary (Bill) Boggan, daughters, Grandchildren; Scott Pinkelman, Karen (Glen) Hoffman, Joshua (Michelle) Berbereia, Sean Fonseca, Shelley Fonseca. 13 Great Grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He will always be remembered as the brave Veteran who served for our freedoms, and a loving Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Papa, and Great Grandfather. He touched a lot of lives in his 91 years, and if you were one of them, you are blessed to have known such a great man. The memories we all share will live on in our hearts forever. We all love and miss you, every single moment of every single day, until we meet again.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting consideration of donating to American Home Hospice Care, 5323 W. Hillsdale Ave, Visalia, CA 93291.

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