He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 2, 1946, son of Dorothy Olson (Lisa Self) and foster parents, Wilmer and Josie Wassink. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and spouse of 55 yrs, Lillie Putnam, and three children, Douglas, April (Steve Byrd), and Donovan (Donny). Brother Douglas, Sister Joan Brietzman (Don). Grandchildren Alex and Jonathan Byrd.
John enlisted with the Army in 1963 with his best friend David Allen (Chris) and married his high school sweetheart, Lillie in 1965. He was trained in the infantry division (7th Infantry Honor Guard), and also cultivated an eye for photography while being stationed in both Korea and Japan. In Japan, Lillie and John began their family with their first born, Douglas. John’s zest for adventure led him to climb Mt. Fuji multiple times and his photography skills earned him duties to photograph special events for high ranking officers and celebrities including the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Ann Margaret, and Bob Hope.
After the army, John and Lillie returned to Dallas and he began to work in a camera store and as a freelance photographer shooting weddings. After a stint of working for his brother-in-law, Richard "Pops" Bates in the motorcycle parts business (Bates #1 motorcycle parts). Friendship and mentorship led to John opening the second franchise store, Bates #2 in 1974. The Bates #2 store became his life’s passion until he retired at age 70. The Bates franchise is still in business to this day including Bates Used Parts (Robert Bates) and Bates #2 (new ownership Dion Sanford who worked by John’s side since 1984).
John's sense of humor was second to none and everyone agrees he was the "life of the party." He loved to dance, sing, and bring joy and happiness to those around him. He often would dance until the music stopped. His unselfish attitude, loyalty, and willingness to help others is reflected by the countless friends and family whose lives he touched.
“Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.”
Services will be held at:
Sparkman Funeral Home 1029 South Greenville Ave Richardson, TX 75081
The family asks that masks and social distancing be practiced. In lieu of hugging, we suggest an elbow bump.
Visitation/Viewing will be Thursday, October 15, 6:00pm - 8:30 pm.
•Social distancing suggestion
•Last names A-L 6-7:15pm
•Last names M-Z 7:15-8:30pm
Chapel Service will be Friday, October 16, at 11:00 am.
Burial TBD, DFW National Cemetery
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