John Ben Worley

Born in Lindsay, Oklahoma, November 28, 1921, John graduated from the small country school at Hughes and married Imogene Pelton after his return from World War II. Together they raised four children: Michael John, Merry, Joan and Tracey.

A long-time member of First Baptist Church of Odessa, John served as a Deacon and a favorite front-door usher and greeter for many years. He and Imogene were also missionaries to Berkina Fosa, Africa, and Copenhagen, Denmark, on church sponsored mission trips with Pastor Ernest Easley.

John retired from employment as a maintenance supervisor at El Paso Products after many____ years but he never stopped working. Every morning after retiring, he woke early, had breakfast and found something productive to do including volunteering for the Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, delivering Meals on Wheels and working at the Permian Basin Crisis Center.

Known to most people as Big John, he served his Country in World War II as a Staff Sergeant in the 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division of the U.S. Army in Northern Africa and Italy. In 1944, he was critically injured during a battle on the beach at Salerno, Italy, and was taken for dead when a medic noticed he was still alive. He was rescued, shipped home and later wrote about his war-time experiences. After God and his family, there was nothing more important to John than patriotism and the defense of our Flag. His book “For the Love of Old Glory” has touched the lives of many people and has been circulated as far away as our troops in Afghanistan. He was always thrilled to share his experiences with young people, having become the subject of several school projects.

John loved sports and was a devoted Mojo Fan but more than that he just enjoyed a good sports rivalry, no matter who was playing. He coached a softball team of young ladies who have continued to express their appreciation for his guidance and lessons learned. Both he and Imogene graciously supported some of these young women in pursuing college educations by helping with tuition and spending money as well as other things these girls needed to better themselves.

John lived his life to the fullest demonstrating to the very end the highest sense of integrity and honesty. He loved his God, his family and Old Glory. Our family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Hospice House, Home Hospice and Willow Hill for loving our Dad as if he were their own.

John was preceded in death by his wife Imogene, his parents Jack and Blanche Worley and two brothers, Scott and Seburn Worley. He is survived by his son Michael John Worley and wife Patricia of Midland; daughter Merry Worley of Odessa; daughter Joan Pace and husband Frank of Jasper, Texas; daughter Tracey Scown and husband Mike of Odessa; and grandchildren Danielle Hair (Austin), Brian Pace (Jasper), Lauren Towery (Midland), Christopher Worley (Midland), John D. Bright (U.S. Navy, Charleston, S. Carolina) and Robyn Bright (Odessa).

Funeral services will be held Thursday March 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Odessa with Hospice Chaplin Emmett Barnard and Associate Pastor Curtis Brewer officiating. The family will receive friends at Frank Wilson Funeral Home between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 17th. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens of Odessa.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Hospice House, the Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church, the American Heart Association or any other charitable organization in his memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.frankwwilson.com

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.