Johnny D. Dearmore

Johnny Dean Dearmore, “John” Dearmore of Alba, Texas passed away on November 10, 2023 in Sulphur Springs, Texas after battling an extended illness. He was born in Evansville, Indiana on August 4, 1942 to Vernon and Irene Dearmore. John grew up in Derby, Kansas where he attended Derby High School and graduated in 1960.

John learned early that he had a passion for racing and built a AA Fuel dragster in the 60’s. Along with his driver for the car, Brian Budd, won the world’s fastest car in 1970, earning the nickname “Who were those Guys?”

When he was 29, he met the love of his life, Betty. She had three children of her own. They married July, 7, 1973 and celebrated their 50th anniversary this year! He moved from Kansas to Texas and started a new life with an instant family. He went to work for the Independent Order of Foresters Insurance Group and moved from Arlington to Corpus Christi, Texas to Oklahoma City as Regional Manager. But his racing bug was after him. He bought go-karts for his son and went to the races. Before long, he was back in Arlington, opening a machinist shop in Irving and rejoining the racing world. He managed to turn his “hobbies” into a living and continued keeping the race going. He also enjoyed golf and fishing and frequently entered and placed in tournaments for each.

In 1992, John and Betty moved to Lake Fork to start a retirement plan as John wanted to be a fishing guide on the lake. Although he did guide for a time, his true passion continued to pull at him, and he again opened DRE, Dearmore Racing Enterprises, and began working on racing boats, then cars. He has rebuilt an exact replica of his 1969 AA Fuel Dragster and has thoroughly enjoyed taking it to cackle fests, which showcases the cars and their power. He is viewed as a legend by many. He has a host of friends from the racing world who will miss him.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty years, Betty Dearmore; daughter, Tracie Cole and husband Bill; daughter in law, Christina Webb; grandchildren, Amanda Webb, Gage and Will Brown, Jaxon Webb, and Naythan Cockrell; great grandchildren, Mazdyn and Phoenix Frayer, along with many friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Benny; daughter Lisa and son, Allen.

Services will be officiated by Pastor John Thomas at First Methodist Church Mineola at 2:00 on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Visitation will be at 1:00 prior to service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to FMC Mineola or to the charity of choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Dearmore family.