John F. Pemelton

John F. Pemelton was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 11, at his residence in Mercedes, Texas. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, a loyal friend, a kind and gentle man, and he will be deeply missed by all. John was born in Mercedes, Texas, on November 17, 1950, to Floyd O. Pemelton and Irene Lehto Pemelton. John graduated from Mercedes High School in 1968, graduating 10th in his class. He later graduated from Pan American University in 1976 with a BA in English and a minor in Government. At his first teaching job in Santa Maria, he met Esperanza Cobarrubias, the love of his life. John and Esperanza were married on July 25, 1977. Together they had two children: Sarah Pemelton from State College, PA; and John Michael Pemelton from Corpus Christi, Texas. He was proud of his children’s accomplishments. His son John Michael is a mechanical engineer with a Master’s in Engineering from Texas A&M, and he was looking forward to seeing his daughter Sarah graduate from Penn State Law in May. John dearly loved his family, God, and nature. He had a passion for native plants of the Rio Grande Valley. He was an avid reader, and had a life-long enthusiasm for learning. He loved being a teacher, and he shared that thirst for knowledge with his students. He taught English and government at Mercedes High School. He also taught Reading at A.P. Solis Middle School in Donna ISD until he retired in 2007. John was a brilliant man of many talents. He had numerous hobbies, including woodworking, calligraphy, gardening, writing poetry, cartography, collecting cacti, birdwatching, photography, singing, and jewelry making. He planned extensive camping vacations with his family to many national parks, creating treasured memories for his wife and children. He fulfilled most of his dreams, especially designing and building his rammed earth home. He was also particularly proud of the beautifully detailed maps he created for both Weslaco and Donna ISD. John is preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Irene Pemelton. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Esperanza Pemelton; his children Sarah Pemelton and John Michael Pemelton; his sister, Ann Pemelton Nolen of Willis, TX; and his mother- and father-in-law Sidelia and Francisco Cobarrubias of Bluetown, TX. He is also survived by many nephews, nieces, and cousins. In addition, he is survived by his five spoiled cats: Frankie, Tuxie, Stripey, Tiger, and Spicey. Public viewing will be held on Sunday, December 15, from 1-8 pm, with a rosary being recited at 6. Arrangements have been entrusted to Rudy Garza Funeral Home of Mercedes, TX.

John F. Pemelton

November 17, 1950 - December 11, 2013

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