John Bauer Wardell

Originally of Trucksville, PA, John was a graduate of Dallas Senior High School, Dallas, PA, and received a BS in Engineering Mechanics from Pennsylvania State University. He married Linda Elaine Renville on September 2, 1967 and moved to Houston to begin his career with Exxon. He later received an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Houston. Over 36½ years he worked on many major projects with Exxon including the Iwaki project in Japan, where he lived for 3 years with his family. After retiring from Exxon in 2003, he and Linda began traveling the world together.

An accomplished marathoner, John combined his love of traveling and running and became a member of the Seven Continents Club, having completed a whole or half marathon on each continent. He was also nearing completion of all six races of the World Marathon Majors, most recently completing the Tokyo Marathon in February 2014. He and Linda enjoyed their retirement immensely visiting friends around the globe and travelling to many exotic places. They especially enjoyed their annual trip to Hawaii, often having their children and grandchildren join them. Despite battling illness, he managed to complete the Maui Half Marathon in September 2014.

A lifelong Christian, John was a member of Trucksville United Methodist Church until his arrival in Houston where he joined Bellaire United Methodist Church and remained actively involved throughout his life. He served on many committees and sang in the Sanctuary Choir. John was also an avid trumpet player, founding and playing in the Circuit Rider Band as well as participating in several other musical organizations in town. Music was one of John’s passions but his particular love was playing Dixieland Jazz.

John was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include Linda, his wife of 47 years, his daughter Lisa White and her husband Randy of Houston, and his son David Wardell and his wife Donna of Roanoke, VA. His beloved grandchildren are Lindsey White, Blake White, Silvia Wardell, and Cara Wardell. He is also survived by his brother Thomas Wardell and his wife Anita of Suffield, CT, and nieces Jennifer Edmonds and Elizabeth Kaplan and their families.

Visitation will be held 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Bellaire United Methodist Church, 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire, TX 77401. Interment will be held at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Trucksville United Methodist Church in Trucksville, PA, or Bellaire United Methodist Church in Bellaire, TX.