John David Carver

Born on February 6, 1938, John was the son of Mary Louise Martin Carver and John Dee Carver. A proud member of a seven-generation San Antonio family, he embodied the spirit of this city throughout his life.

As a young boy at Mark Twain Junior High, John would drive his older sister, Dee Dee to work in her yellow 1951 Ford Fairlane convertible. Mind you, John is seven years younger than his sister. John embraced challenges as he began work on an abandoned car he discovered on his way to school, eventually unfreezing the pistons and starting the engine. This ignited a lifetime passion for cars, boats, and problem-solving, cementing his identity as a fixer. As a skilled fixer, he was the go-to person to get things done. And once the task was complete, John would say with a smile, “another job well done!” which became a lifelong motto.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Frances Claire Little Carver; their firstborn child, John Matthew Carver; his parents, John Dee Carver and Louise Martin Carver Louderback; and several aunts and uncles, including Maurice Carver, William Carver, Louis Martin, Audrey Martin Browning, Edith Martin Baier; and his great-granddaughter, Lucy Rose Taylor.

He is survived by his sister, Audrey “Dee Dee” Carver White; his children, W. Matthew Carver, Kimberly and James Keedy, Lisa and Mike Brown, Stephanie and John Taylor; ten grandchildren, Kelly Carver, John Matthew and Emily Carver, Leigha Carver, Hunter Brown, Nicholas Brown, Parker Brown, John “JC” and Chantelle Taylor, Brennan and Addison Taylor, Zachary and Sara Taylor, and Trevor and Brittney Taylor; 11 great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Aubrey, and Blake Carver; Ella, Charlie, and Tommy Taylor; Riley, Brodi, and Avery Taylor; Tinsley and Taytum Taylor; as well as his sister-in-law, Patricia Little, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

After Brackenridge High School, John married his neighborhood sweetheart, Frances “Claire” Little on April 6, 1956. John then joined the Air Force National Guard and eventually was employed at Kelly Field working on military airplanes. Later he began work for Gell Service Company Inc. where he began using his natural abilities to trouble shoot, repair and service equipment. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own restaurant and bar equipment leasing company, Glassco, which continues to thrive today under the management of his son, Matthew Carver.

John was a devoted family man, a life that was centered around his family. He was known for his unwavering commitment to those he loved. Together with Claire, they created a strong bond with their close-knit group of friends, who became a second family. “The Group” as they are affectionately known, spent countless hours together, and many of their children grew up alongside one another, forming friendships that have lasted a lifetime. John’s legacy is one of love, loyalty, and togetherness. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

The Carver family extends heartfelt thanks to all who loved and cared for John, including family, friends, caregivers Noemi “Mimi” Ashcraft and John Murray, and the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff at University Hospital.

A visitation and viewing will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, followed by a Remembrance Tribute at 7:00 PM at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

A Memorial Service will take place on Monday, March 17, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Porter Loring Mortuary North. Interment will follow at Mission Burial Park North, located at 20900 IH 10 West, 78257.