John Reeves Del Rio

John Reeves Del Rio, born in Delano, CA, Sept. 21, 1923, passed away June 14, 2012 in Bakersfield, CA. He is survived by his two daughters Nora H. Gutierrez and her husband Dan, of Atwater CA and Jeannette H. Del Rio of Delano, CA. John is also survived by his grandson Ben D. Gutierrez and his wife, Sandra and his great grandchildren, Olivia and Noah, all from Tehachapi, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Laureana, also 7 brothers and sisters from whom he had many nephews and nieces. His family came from New Mexico with the railroad company and settled in Delano. Both the Felix and Del Rio families became a part of Delano's history and were photographed in a book published years ago, "Where the Railroad Ended" about Delano's early history. When John came of age, he joined family in Michigan and worked in the steel mills. He then joined the Army during WWII, and was commissioned to the 983rd Field Artillery Battalion. They fought in New Guinea, and in the Philippine Islands. The 983rd fought hard in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. John was part of a team that helped position, load and fire "The Big Tom" as a cannoneer. They took shifts, night and day during long battles firing the huge canon until many of the soldiers bled from their ears. John was very hard of hearing in his left ear since then. After the war, the 983rd was sent to Japan for The Occupation. He returned in 1946 to reenlist in the Army Air Corps as a fireman at Brooks Field in Texas for 2 years until he met his future wife in Keene, CA. He married the late Maria G. Herrera and settled in Delano to raise his family. He worked 37 years for the Delano Elementary School District as a bus driver, handyman, Head of Maintenance and Operations and locksmith. He acquired his G.E.D. in the early sixties. After he retired, John worked as a custodian for Gibson Pipe Co. until he couldn't any longer. John will be remembered for his inner strength, determination and intelligence. He loved classical music, fishing, camping, electronics and carpentry. John also helped to build Guadalupe Church and served in the Men's Altar Society. He loved his faith and sent his daughters to St. Mary's School. He said his Rosary every night and treasured his Bible. He will not be forgotten. He was a formidable and dignified man and will be missed. The family wishes to thank John's doctors, nurses and caregivers in Delano and also those at Memorial, Mercy/Truxtun, Hospitals, Interim Care, Pacifica Memory Care and Optimal Care (physical therapy and hospice). Your great patience and special kindness (and ears) were much appreciated.