Final Salute

John Charles Stemper Obituary

John Charles Stemper, age 88, passed away on January 22, 2020 in Houston, Texas.

He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 11, 1931 to his parents John Barrus and Carrie Brandt Stemper. Although an only child, he grew up in a large extended family in New Orleans.

He served in the United States Navy Seabees Construction Battalion. It was there that he gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

After his service in the Navy, he felt a call to attend Asbury College in Wilmore, Kentucky. In college, he met and married the love of his life, Jean Hall. After earning a degree from Asbury, John went on to earn a Master of Divinity from the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas.

Early in their married life, John answered a call to the mission field in Brazil. He shared God’s love and plan of salvation with the Brazilian people. He served in Brazil for six years with his growing family. After returning home, John pastored churches in New Iberia, La., Freeport, Tx., and Alief, Tx. Throughout his life, John preached the gospel of Jesus Christ at all times, and when it was necessary, he used words. When John was asked to remember anyone in his prayers, he would stop and pray immediately with that person. His life was a true testimony to God’s amazing grace.

After retiring in 1996, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and, more recently, his great grandchildren. He was always involved in his local church and served in any way he could.

John was able to travel to Australia and go on an Alaskan cruise and considered those to be trips of a lifetime. He also used his building skills to build a house in Nacogdoches.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 57 years, Jean Stemper, and infant son, David Paul.

He is survived by his daughters, Dianne Lacy and husband Scott, Dana West and husband Allen; son, Daniel Stemper and wife Brenda; grandchildren, Emily, Rachel and husband John Jorgensen, and John and wife Hannah Lacy; Aaron, Jacob, and Carrie West; and Matthew Stemper. He has three great-grandchildren, Elijah and Ezekiel Lacy, and Harriet Pentecost.

A memorial service will be conducted by Pastor Ryan Weems at Christ Covenant Church in Houston on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, John asked that donations in his memory be made to: Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston; 1450 E. Summitry Circle; Katy, Texas 77449. (Online donations: phckaty.org)

Online condolences may be offered at www.dignitymemorial.com.