John Harold Pace

John Harold Pace, lovingly known as “Buster” in his early years, lived a life defined by resilience, service, and deep devotion to family and community. Born in Electra, Texas, on September 8, 1924, to Jewel (Rives) Pace and Frank Pace, John entered the world during the height of the North Texas oil boom—a time that would soon give way to the hardships of the Great Depression.

His early years were shaped by both challenge and strength. After the passing of his father from pneumonia when John was just two and a half years old, his mother, Jewel, opened her home to boarders to support her young family. She later remarried Clifford Brown, who tragically lost his life in a refinery accident when John was still a boy. Through these hardships, John witnessed firsthand the perseverance and determination of his mother—qualities that would guide him throughout his life.

John’s education began in earnest when his mother arranged for him to attend school in Harold, Texas, known for its strong academics. It was there that he first dreamed of attending the University of Texas. Later, after moving to Asher, Oklahoma, John spent formative years under the influence of his great-grandfather, a Methodist circuit-riding preacher, and his grandfather—both men of strong character who helped shape his values.

A hard worker from a young age, John spent his summers laboring in the wheat fields of North Texas and traveling from Kansas to Minnesota during harvest season, earning enough to buy his own typewriter and school clothes. His determination paid off when he graduated as Salutatorian of Asher High School in 1942.

With World War II underway, John joined the Army Air Corps, serving overseas in Cairo, Karachi, Calcutta, and ultimately in China along the eastern slopes of the Himalayan Mountains. There, he worked as a LORAN (Long-Range Navigation) operator, guiding aircraft safely over the treacherous “Hump” between India and China—a critical and highly classified mission that helped save countless lives and aircraft during the war.

When the war ended, John returned home after a long journey by ship to New York City and discharge at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. After a brief week with family in Oklahoma, he set out to pursue his long-held dream of attending the University of Texas. Despite a minor bureaucratic hiccup—his diploma listing him as “Buster Pace”—he enrolled and began a journey of academic exploration, studying electrical engineering, then chemical engineering, and ultimately finding his calling in clinical psychology, where he completed doctoral work and his internship.

John began his professional career with the Social Security Administration as a Field Representative in Waco, a role he fondly described as “the best job the government ever created.” During this time, while working weekends at Hirsch’s Drug Store in Austin, he met the love of his life, Dee Dube, a nurse at Seton Hospital. Their courtship, filled with letters and shared dreams, led to a joyful wedding at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dime Box, Texas, where nearly the entire town gathered to celebrate.

After a brief time in San Antonio, John and Dee made their way back to Austin, settling first in Tarrytown in 1954, then moving into their beloved home on Cloverleaf in 1957. It was there that John lived for 70 years, building a life rooted in faith, service, and community. John and Dee both loved spending weekends at Dee’s home place in Dime Box, where they worked hard and relaxed well, finding joy in simple moments together.

Above all, John’s greatest joy and deepest devotion was his family. He and his beloved wife, Dee, made it a priority to be present for every milestone they could—attending birthdays, school events, celebrations, and special moments for their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Whether it was a small gathering or a major life event, their steady presence was a constant source of love and support. John gave generously of his time, wisdom, and energy, always ready to lend a helping hand and guide his children in any way he could. His quiet strength, encouragement, and unwavering commitment to family created a legacy that will continue to be felt for generations.

A devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church, John served as president of the congregation and was deeply engaged in civic life. He also served on the Austin Board of Directors of the Boy Scouts of America. His leadership extended to roles as president of the Civitan Club of Austin and president of the National Federation of Federal Employees in Austin, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service and advocacy.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delores Dube Pace; his parents, Thomas Frank Pace and Jewel Pace; his sisters, Ima Jean Thompson (Cott) and June Drabek (EJ); his grandson, Zachary Williams; and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Wayne Bethke.

John is survived by his children and their spouses: Cindy and Barry Williams, Anita and Dan Hill, and Keith and Pam Pace. He was a proud grandfather to Dustin (Mandy) Williams, Brock Williams, Emily (Jared) Moore, and Katie Pace, and a delighted great-grandfather to John Rush Williams and Ford Williams. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he held dear.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Senior Sitters for their compassionate care, and especially to Lorrie, Judith, and Elizabeth, whose kindness and dedication meant so much.

Memorial services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with interment at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Dustin Williams, Brock Williams, Jared Moore, Douglas Spacek, Brandon Mueller, and Paul Wukasch.

John will be remembered for his quiet strength, steadfast love, and the enduring presence he brought to all who were fortunate to know him.

 Memorials may be made to Hope Lutheran Church, 6414 North Hampton Dr, Austin, TX 78723.