John served as an Ensign during World War II and later discharged from the United States Naval Reserve as Lieutenant Junior Grade. He received his Doctorate of Optometry in 1950, and became active in Burnet when he opened his practice in 1957. He was a member for 50 years and past President of the Texas Optometric Association. He served and held memberships also in local, state, and national optometric associations.
John served his community and church as a member of countless boards and committees. He helped to organize the Little League baseball program in Burnet and started the Sea Scout program of the local Boy Scout Troop. He was a member and past President of the Burnet CISD school board for 14 years, member and past President of the Kiwanis Club and the First United Methodist Church where he served on several different committees. John was a former member of the City Council, the Shepperd Memorial Hospital board, and the Chamber of Commerce where he served as member and past President. He was a former Community Center Honor Citizen and past recipient of the Thomas C. Ferguson Award for Outstanding Citizen. He recently recognition of his 50 year membership in the Masonic Lodge and also held memberships in the Scottish Rite and Shrine.
John dedicated his time serving on boards and committees that were responsible for the building of Inks Lake Golf course, the swimming pool, the Highlander Inn, several schools in Burnet, and what is now Seton Highland Lakes Hospital. He loved his family, friends, and community.
John was preceded in death by his grandson Cade Barnett. He is survived by his wife Evelyn of 65 years, his son Steve Sandner, his daughters Jill Ringstaff, Jann Barnett and her husband Gary, and grandsons Cody and Clay Barnett. He is also survived by other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly.
A memorial service in memory of John will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, January 5, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend L.C. “Buddy” Johnston. John will later be laid to rest at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Seton Highland Lakes Hospital, Seton Home Health, Oaks Nursing Home, and his doctors Dr. Erica Hughes, Dr. Phil McCurdy, Dr. Perry Peterson, and Dr. Gerald Levy.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hill Country Community Foundation or to the Burnet First United Methodist Church.
Condolences to the family may be made to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com.
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