John Phillip Dieter

John Phillip Dieter, a multifaceted individual with a passion for life, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 95. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Papa will be deeply missed by his family and friends. John is survived and missed by his wife of almost 66 years, Alison Lee Atwood Dieter; his children Thomas Atwood (Tad) Dieter; Laurie Dieter Still and husband Alan John Still; John Daniel (Danny) Dieter and wife Robin Kelly Dieter. Forever cherished and remembered by his grandchildren, John Thomas (JT) Dieter; Christina Dieter Bunce and her husband Andrew Bunce; Michael Donovan Dieter; John (Jack) Travis Still and his wife Cassie Caruthers Still; Alexander Alan Still and his wife Grace Preston; Kimberly Still Burns and her husband Brian Burns; Kelly Alison Dieter; Kristen Dieter Vasquez and her husband Giovanni Vasquez and Daniel Henning Dieter. His memories live on with his great-grandchildren Scarlett and Hazel Dieter; Braden and Evelyn Bunce; Adaleigh and Gianni Vasquez.

John was born in Easton, PA, and spent the majority of his childhood moving throughout the northeast due to his father’s career in the Army. At twelve years old he ended up in Austin. In Austin he spent time with his many cousins and became a Boy Scout, which he loved. He attended Austin schools and then graduated from Wiesbaden High School in Wiesbaden, Germany. He eventually received his BBA from the University of Texas. He served as an Army officer in the armored infantry at Fort Hood where he received his expert rifleman’s badge. He fondly recalled “running up the mountain and running back down the mountain” in basic training. He also truly enjoyed his time in the Army reserves.

He, his brother and father owned and operated the D & H foundry in Austin after WWII. He somehow managed to attend regular classes and graduate from UT during that period. After meeting his wife, Alison, in the middle of Lake Austin, they married and moved to Houston where he was a Mechanical Engineer at Riviana Foods for most of his working years.

Papa was impossible to pigeonhole. His various interests and aptitudes included soldier, engineer, machinist, carpenter, plumber, electrician, inventor, creator, sailor, gunsmith, jeep restorer, businessman, landlord, mechanic, and builder. He was a builder of sailboats, rice mills, cabins in the woods, barns, office buildings, playhouses, treehouses, and model airplanes. He was a skilled craftsman and problem-solver, always eager to take on new challenges, often helping his children with their numerous additions and home repairs.

John was a nature lover, enjoying activities such as fishing, sailing, hiking and traveling. He had visited many European countries and nearly every state in the U.S. missing only North Dakota and Florida. He was especially proud of his cabin in the woods. Built by his own two hands, “the cabin”, was enjoyed by five generations of Dieters and their friends. He was a dog lover his entire life and was rarely without one or more in his household.

Papa leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him. His children and grandchildren grew up knowing that they were loved, and that they could always come back home. In his own words he wants to be remembered fondly, also in his own words the greatest gift he ever received was love.

Rest in peace, Papa, your impact on the lives of those around you will never be forgotten.