John Richard Cardwell

John R. Cardwell, 86, of Katy, passed away 12/24/2021. He was born in Louisville, Kentucky on 4/30/1935 to John H. and Hazel O. Cardwell. He was married to Nancy L. Cardwell for 38 years, and after her death, he met and married Pat Cotroneo. They were married for 21 years.

He was preceded in death by his father, John H. Cardwell; his mother, Hazel O. Cardwell; and his wife of 38 years, Nancy L. Cardwell.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Cardwell; his children, Crystal Battarbee, Dawn Maruska (Vincent), Nancy Roland (Bill), Patti Wyatt (Tim), Mike Cotroneo (Rhonda), Ken Cotroneo (Sheila), Janet Knight (Sean), and David Cotroneo (Roxanne); 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; his brother, Roche Cardwell (Peggy); three nephews, one niece, three great-nephews, and two great-nieces.

John had a passion for the Lord, for his family, and for his country. He also had a lifelong passion for music. Learning to play the violin as a child, he was a member of the Houston Youth Symphony and was in all-state orchestra for two years. He received a rating of one in the state violin solo contest and won a four-year violin scholarship to the University of Houston.

He had a beautiful bass voice and loved to sing. While at the university, he sang the part of Dr. Bartello in the opera, The Barber of Seville. He participated in a number of quartets over the years, many of them singing Southern Gospel, but he loved all kinds of music. When he visited his mom, he always sang for her while she accompanied him on the piano.

After deciding that music was a poor way to make a living, John left college and joined the Air Force, working with guided missile electronics, which was their latest career field at the time. He was sent to Germany for 3 ½ years. Though he said that his time in Germany was basically uneventful, career-wise, he traveled extensively, continued his music, and brought back some great stories. After his discharge, he had a long career in the computer industry until his retirement in 1999.

John had a great sense of humor and a kind heart. He overcame much, but upon reflection, he believed he had a blessed life and credited that to the Glory of the Lord.

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, December 29, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, Texas 77494. A celebration of John's Life will occur Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 10:00 AM in the Rio Grande Chapel of Katy Funeral Home. He will then be laid to rest at South Park Cemetery, 1310 N Main St, Pearland, TX 77581.

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