JW Kerbow

JW Kerbow, lovingly known as JW, Dub, or Jay to those close to him, passed away on March 24, 2024, at Palo Alto Veterans Hospital at the age of 90 after bravely battling a rare bone cancer for 7 years. Despite his health challenges, he maintained his sharp wit and sense of humor until the end.

Born on February 11, 1934, in Fulbright, Red River County, Texas, JW was a proud native of east Texas, carrying with him a well-known family legacy in the rural area where he grew up.

He was the son of Johnie James Kerbow (1907-1992) and Essie Mae (Clarkson) Kerbow (1909-2000) and was preceded in death by his siblings Robbie Nell Lindsey Kerbow (1927-2020) and James Boyd Kerbow (1932-2001).

On December 17, 1958 at the age of 24, JW married Mary Ruth "Ethel" Steele, with whom he shared many cherished years until her passing in 2013 in Oroville, California.

JW's life was marked by his unwavering faith as a lifelong Christian and his deep devotion to his family and love for church and the church community. He, along with his wife Ruth and their children, resided in various locations across California, Texas, and Oregon.

In his earlier years, JW proudly served as a Naval Aviation Ordinanceman Petty Officer in the United States Navy, stationed in various places with Patrol Squadron 9 (VP9) including NAS Alameda and NAS Kodiak Alaska during the late 1950s and early 1960s, contributing to anti-submarine and surveillance efforts during the Cold War era. While deployed with VP9, the squadron flew polar scouting missions for the USS NAUTILUS’ historic voyage under the polar ice cap.

Throughout his career, JW primarily worked as a machinist, machine shop foreman, and owned machine shops for several years. He also spent time as a welder and truck driver during his time in rural Oregon.

JW leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by his 4 children Leslie, Kathleen, Michael, and Patricia, along with 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends who will miss his endless stories, witty quips, and jokes.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 27, 2024 at 1 pm, at Cambrian Park Community Church at 2575 Coit Dr, San Jose, California, where JW's life and legacy will be honored and remembered fondly. May he rest in peace in heaven.

There will also be a Memorial near the Kerbow Family plots at Bethel Cemetery in Fulbright Texas sometime in the coming months with the date to be announced later.