On Monday, April 1, 2024, John Andrew Alcorn went home to be with our Lord. Lorraine, his wife of 70 years, was by his side when he passed peacefully. John was 92 years old, born on December 23, 1931 in Tulare, California. He was preceded in death by his parents David Shannon and Helen Alcorn, his brother David Alcorn, and his daughter Sharon (Alcorn) Oliver.
John was the oldest child of David Shannon and Helen Alcorn who raised him on a ranch in Guernsey. As a boy, John was mischievous, curious, and fearless. John told many stories of his mother finding him on the roof of the house or trying to open the door as the car raced down the road. John looked out for his younger brother, David, and would often let him join in on the shenanigans.
John went to school in Guernsey. One of his teachers from Frazer Primary School, Mrs. Truett, would take a horse and buggy to school. John took pride in unhooking the horses and putting them in the stable every day. John showed market swine at Tulare Fair in his youth. He passed his love of livestock onto his children and grandchildren.
John attended Hanford High School where he played football and was a member of Hanford FFA. He graduated from Hanford High in 1950 and attended College of the Sequoias where he played football and was a member of the tumbling team. On Lorraine’s first day at COS, John ran over to her and asked her on a date. They were married eight months later on May 9, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Hanford. They moved a few times, but settled back in Hanford on their farm located off of Central Valley Highway. They raised a large family of five girls and one boy on their ten acres. He found great joy in family projects and raising showstock on their farm. It wasn’t uncommon to see him nursing an orphan litter of piglets or a lamb back to health in the kitchen. Countless achievements were won because of his hard work, guidance, and mentorship of his children and grandchildren.
Over the years, John took pride in his work. He worked for Kings County Road Department and drove truck for Valley Oxygen and Liquid Carbonic. He finally retired from the Safeway milk plant and traveled the country with his wife. They visited every state except for Hawaii. They enjoyed spending their summers fishing for salmon in Alaska and relaxing on their porch at their beloved cabin in Shaver Lake, California. He was an expert fisherman and treasured by many in their East Village Community. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family on the cabin porch. John loved being outside and his yard was always meticulous. He would sit for hours cracking walnuts from his trees or stacking wood for the fire. He was a giving man who lived life to the fullest. He left a rich legacy that will live on in his family for generations to come.
John is survived by his wife, Lorraine Alcorn, daughters, Jonell (Patrick) Freitas, Marian Luis, Carleen (Phillip) Nunes, and Pamela (Marten) Verhoeven, only son, John (Melissa) Alcorn, 17 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren, all of which he dearly loved.
A graveside service will be held at Kings River Cemetery on April 27, 2024 at 10am. There will be a time to visit with family following the service at the Freitas Residence.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
First Christian Church of Hanford
505 West Cameron Street
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