John Kelly Christmas

John Kelly Christmas left us to meet our heavenly father on the morning of May 21, 2021. Those who knew him knew that he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. John was a man that loved big and was loved by all. He served in the United States Navy as a Boatswains’s Mate on the USS Sampson and his service station was in Athens, Greece. He enjoyed 45 years of dedicated service to the El Paso Electric Company at the Rio Grande Power Plant. John was a selfless provider, loyal husband, and genuine friend. Together with the love of his life of 41 years, Diane, they fostered 61 children.

John really enjoyed participating in his children’s extracurricular activities while they were growing up. He was a Boy Scout Den Leader, volunteer basketball and football coach, and a gymnastics dad. He was the definition of a good sport. He loved to tease his kids and his kids loved to tease him even more. Every other weekend he could be found playing Skip-Bo and yelling at the Dallas Cowboys game on the TV with his 92 year old mother. He loved cruising to the Bahamas and celebrating his 40 year anniversary on a cruise to Jamaica.

Children were a huge part of his life. As a matter of fact, the first thing he asked his wife when him met her at a local bar was, “do you want to have children?” His grandchildren were the light of his life and they just loved their Papa so much. He gave the best hugs and had the most comfortable tummy to take a nap on. John was such a joy to be around. He was so simple and easy going and had a kindhearted smile.

John is survived by his beautiful wife, Diane, his mother, Leona Cox and siblings Cathy Taylor, Mary Newman and Jan Massie. He is also survived by his children, Matthew (daughter-in-law Amanda), Meghan, Trey (daughter-in-law Liz), Kyle (daughter-in-law Maggie) Aiden and his grandchildren, Kenzleigh, Lucinda, Sadie, Maddeline, Maisie, Milo, Caleb, Quinten and Meadow. John is preceded in death by father, J.C. Cox, his brother, James Christmas and his granddaughter, Aleiyah Christmas.

The family would like to thank the CICU nurses and staff at Sierra Providence, especially Danielle, RN, for the special care and attention she paid him. Thank you to Dr. Eisenberg, Dr. Shami, Dr. Dobrin, Tender Care Home Health and all the love and support from family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10 am-12pm and funeral services will be from 12pm- 1pm on Friday, June 4, 2021, at Martin Funeral Home, 128 N. Resler Drive, El Paso, TX 79912. Interment will be at 1:30pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. (Funeral home will not mandate masks to enter. Fort Bliss is open to full capacity, but will require face coverings. Live stream of the services will be available.) A gathering to celebrate John’s life will be held at his son, Matthew’s, house located at 6613 Flores Ln., El Paso TX 79932 at 3pm. (915) 491-1950/(915) 867-4718

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to the Lee and Beulah Children’s Home, the foster care agency that John and Diane served as foster parents for 11 years.

Pallbearers:

Matthew Christmas

Robert (Trey) Waterhouse

Kyle Christmas

Aiden Christmas

Ryan Kinnerup

Michael Caldarella

Yves Reulet

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Christmas family.