He grew up on his family’s farm in Calipatria, California, which produced Thompson Seedless Grapes. Some of his fondest memories growing up were preparing the family’s grapes for harvest and shipping to market. He graduated from high school in Calipatria in 1949. He attended the University of California at Davis to study viticulture for one year before enlisting in the United States Air Force to serve in the Korean War. The Air Force eventually brought him to Austin, Texas, where he met Nina Doris Gray. They were married on September 3, 1955 until her death on June 9, 1994. After the war and discharge from the Air Force, he attended the University of Texas to study Architecture. He then served as a registered architect for the headquarters division of the Texas Highway Department in Austin until his retirement in 1991.
John will be most remembered as a devoted friend who went out of his way to show his appreciation for those he loved. He was an avid University of Texas Longhorns fan who rarely missed a football, basketball, or baseball game. He was a Life Member of the Texas Exes and a supporter of the Longhorn Foundation. He had a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He also enjoyed photography and was often spotted taking pictures at family gatherings.
John is preceded in death by his beloved wife, sister-in-law Sara Nell Gray, his parents, his brother Joe Leo Panosh, and his “adopted family members” Frank and Carol Menor. He is survived by his three “adopted” loving daughters: Laurie Menor Trevett and husband Jamey, Susan Menor Bierschenk and husband Jim, and Holly Menor Whittier and husband Kenn. Also, by his “adopted” grandchildren: Lara Trevett, Jamye Trevett Sears and husband Andrew, Katie Bierschenk Bruner and husband Kyle, Amanda Bierschenk Crowley and husband Jesse, and Lauren Whittier; “adopted” Great-Grandchildren: Molly, Addy, Nathan and Hudson Sears, David and Joshua Bruner. John is also survived by his nieces and nephew.
The family would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Spicewood Springs for their excellent and compassionate care.
A private graveside service was held on Saturday, Feb 27th at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, TX.
Donations may be made in John’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org).
Condolences may be expressed at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.
