John Kenneth Middlebrooks Jr.

Age 80, of Fullerton, passed away on Saturday, April 8 surrounded by family.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia, daughter Julie (Ed) Cunningham and son Jeff (Krista) Middlebrooks, and grandchildren Jack and Matt (Jordan) Froehlke, Katie Cunningham, and Holly and Luke Middlebrooks and sisters, Joan and Melinda.

Ken was born in Houston, Texas in November 1942 to parents John and Mary and spent his youth in communities around South Texas. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps on his 17th birthday and reported to Camp Pendleton for training, later serving in Okinawa. Ken completed his active-duty commitment at the USMC Air Station, El Toro during which time he met his future wife Patricia Robert on a double date (though he was actually paired with Pat’s cousin on that date!)

Pat and Ken were married in Las Vegas in November 1963 and settled in Fullerton. It must have been a jarring transition for the shy Marine when he first encountered Pat’s parents and five brothers, but he truly embraced life with the close-knit Robert family for six decades.

Ken initially worked for the city of Fullerton but later made a career in law enforcement, retiring after over 29 years as an Orange County Deputy Marshal II. His early years as a Deputy Marshal were spent as a courtroom bailiff, but he spent the majority of his career in the field.

Ken was a devoted father to Julie and Jeff and coached both of them on Bobby Sox and Little League teams. He was a compassionate coach but also fiercely competitive deep inside – just ask his golf partners over the years!

In retirement, Ken enjoyed daily lunches at local restaurants with family members and interacting with the staff. He also derived tremendous pleasure and pride in visiting with and watching his five grandchildren grow. He was very much a man of routine and could often be seen walking the circle around his Glenwood development townhouse and, of course, smoking a cigar, sipping bourbon, and greeting passersby from his front porch in the afternoon.

One of his favorite songs was Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Fitting, as Ken truly appreciated his blessings and shared so much love and kindness with family and friends over the course of his life.

Services will be held on Monday, May 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fullerton. A rosary will be held at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM. A lunch reception at the St. Mary’s Church Parish

Hall will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation.