John William Valentine

John William Valentine, known to many as Rusty, passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 80. Rusty was born in Waxahachie, Texas, on February 5, 1946, and was a graduate of Carroll High School. He later earned a degree in Law Enforcement from Del Mar College in 1972, a milestone that helped shape a life defined by steady purpose and devoted public service. Rusty resided in Mathis, Texas.

On August 21, 1965, Rusty married Peggy Jean Robinson in Corpus Christi, Texas. Together they built a life rooted in loyalty and enduring love. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanford Clinton Valentine and Lillie Timmons Valentine, and by his wife and the love of his life, Peggy Jean Valentine.

Rusty devoted his career to protecting others, serving with the Corpus Christi Police Department beginning in 1972. He started in the Patrol Division and retired in 2005 from the Auto Theft Division, closing one chapter of service only to begin another. Following retirement, he joined the Texas Port of Corpus Christi Police Department, where he served as a reserve officer from 2005 through 2024. Throughout his years in uniform, Rusty was known for his commitment to his community, his readiness to teach and assist, and his steady optimism even in difficult circumstances—qualities that made him a mentor and protector to many.

His professional pride extended beyond the daily work, reflected in his involvement with specialized and pioneering efforts. Rusty was a proud member of the Corpus Christi Police Department Dive Team, served as the first Corpus Christi Police Department Bomb Technician, and was a founding member and former officer of the Corpus Christi Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #27.

Outside of work, Rusty embraced the outdoors and the simple satisfactions of time well spent. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, barbecuing, shooting, and—true to his spirited sense of fun—blowing things up. Some of the most cherished memories include watching him play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, adventure-filled fishing trips, and camping trips to the beach and the lake. His love of shooting and related competitions was well known, as was his willingness to share what he knew with anyone eager to learn.

Rusty is survived by his children, Dusty Jean McNease and Dallas Lea Valentine; his brother, Sandford Clinton Valentine, Jr. (Corky); his grandchildren, Brea Nikole Nulliner, Shannon Elizabeth Oh, Stephen Andrew McNease, Brook Marie Ciemny, and Kathryn Emma McNease; and great-grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks to Angel Bright Hospice; Tina and Kirby Insall; Keith Strasheim; members of the Fraternal Order of Police; and First Baptist Church of George West Texas, Pastor Hendricks and members, for their care, support, and kindness.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Fraternal Order of Police 3236 Reid Drive Suite B Corpus Christi, Texas 78404.