John Rossean

John Howard Rossean, age 88 a resident of Hemet, CA for 25 years passed away Tuesday, December 20, 2011 at the Devonshire Care Center in Hemet, CA. John was born July 22, 1923 in Tarkio, MO and raised in Hamburg, IA. He was the son of the late Estille (Eck) Rossean and the late Blanche Bolin Rossean.

John had six brothers and sisters five of which preceded him in death. He married the love of his life Avis Ocean in Monterey Park, CA while stationed out of Long Beach. John served our country proudly in the Navy for 21 years and was in both WWII and the Korean War. He retired with the rank of Yeoman Chief Petty Officer. Still a young man at the end of his naval career, he had the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new business venture called the fast food industry and worked for the next 25 years as general manager of several franchises of the McDonalds Golden Arches restaurants.

After retiring at age 65, he and Avis settled in Hemet to live out their golden years. John was an avid semi-pro bowler in his youth and played handball as well. He took up tennis at 50 and could beat even the younger kids who loved to challenge his skill at the game. Once retired he took up golf. Self taught he still holds the course record for the most aces, achieving 24 holes in one. He was also an avid walker and loved to exercise.

John is survived by his wife Avis just 3 months shy of their 64 anniversary; one daughter Jeanne Marie Rossean of Long Beach, CA; two sons John Howard Rossean II, Hemet, CA; Jerry Duane Rossean, Orem, UT; one surviving sister, Phyllis (Tiny) Smith, Harlan, IA, seven grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren.