John Kenneth Corbin

John Kenneth Corbin, 93, of Fresno, CA, formerly of Rockville, MD and Franklin, NC passed away on February 22, 2021 in Fresno, CA. John was a gentle and kind soul who will be remembered dearly by all of his loved ones, extended family and friends as a true southern gentleman.

John was born in Franklin, NC to the late Fred and Addie Crawford Corbin on January 22, 1928. He graduated from Franklin High School in 1945 and then served 13 months in the U.S. Army. He earned his BS degree in Math from Wake Forest University in 1954 and his MS degree in Physics from Clemson University in 1956. He then joined the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as a Patent Examiner in the Optics Group where he had a long and successful 34-year career until his retirement in 1989. He married the love of his life, Eiko Ono, in 1960.

John enjoyed golf, family vacations (to the beaches of the Carolina shore, the beautiful mountains of “Battlebranch,” and Japan), family reunions, tending to the yard, watching his two son’s participate in various sports, fixing and building things, and home cooked meals. He was always in a good mood and ready to help others with his never ending kindness.

John is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eiko Ono Corbin, of Fresno, CA, sons Dr. John Frederick Corbin (Lisa) of Fresno, CA, Edwin Kenneth Corbin (Nancy) of Danville, CA, grandchildren Thomas Kenneth Corbin of San Diego, CA (John and Lisa), Matthew Kenneth Corbin of New York City, NY (Edwin and Nancy), Ryan Austin Corbin of Fresno, CA (John and Lisa), and Meaghan Eileen Corbin of Bear, DE (Edwin and Nancy), brothers Frederick (Frances) of Raleigh, NC, Bobby Joe (Jo) of Cowee, NC, and David (Connie) of Higdonville, NC, sister-in-law Rose Cook Corbin of Hillsborough, NC, numerous nieces/nephews, great nieces/nephews, and many from the extended Ono family who loved him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Addie Corbin, his sister Mae, and two brothers Max (Helen) and Harry.

The family will hold services privately. Memorial donations may be made to any Dementia or Alzheimer’s Association of the donor’s choice. The Corbin family is under the care of Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home in Fresno, CA. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Corbin Family below.