John R. Gidcumb, Sr.

John R. Gidcumb, Sr., beloved husband, father, and grandpa/papa, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. He was born on December 4, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Anita Ruth and Roy Adonis Gidcumb. John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James F. Gidcumb, and his grandson, Evan John Atkins. He is survived by his one true love and wife of 61 years, Lois L. Gidcumb. He leaves behind his loving children, Bob Gidcumb (Chris), Beth Atkins, and Brad Gidcumb (Casie). John was a proud Grandpa to Aidan and Zoey Atkins, and Papa to Fletcher and Quentin Gidcumb. He was deeply loved by his family who will remember him as the always strong, faithful, and steadfast family man with quick wit and entertaining story telling. He loved the Lord and was an excellent example of what a husband and father should be.

John grew up in Carmi, IL where he was a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout and his dad served as Scout Master. He loved their summer camping trips to the National Boy Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge, PA. John played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track at Carmi High School from 1956-1960. He was a 2-time All-NEC running back in football, and his senior year was named to the All-Southern Illinois First Team, the All-State Second Team, and an honorable mention selection on the Wigwam Wiseman All-American Team. He attended Eastern Illinois University on a football scholarship and played until he suffered a career-ending broken shoulder and collarbone during his sophomore season. EIU is where he first laid eyes on Lois on the first day of history class their sophomore year, when Lois walked into class late with two of her sorority sisters, and John pointed at her from the back row and told his two buddies, “That one is mine.” John and Lois married in 1964 and moved to Carbondale, IL where he earned his MBA at Southern Illinois University.

After graduation they moved to Peoria, IL where John worked for LeTourneau-Westinghouse, known for their prolific invention of technologies in the earthmoving machinery industry. Lois was a 3rd grade teacher. Two years later they moved to Chicago where John worked for Ford Motor Company in the Lincoln-Mercury division as a marketing manager for the Midwest area. He also served on the Lincoln-Mercury team for the Chicago Auto Show. John and Lois were members of Glenfield Baptist Church where John became a Deacon and served for many years.

In 1985 the family moved to San Antonio where John joined his best friend, Mike McGrath, in the sales and finance departments of many of the areas’ best known car dealerships. John, Lois, and kids joined Castle Hills FBC where he again served as a Deacon and was introduced to the Gideons organization by long-time good friend, JonTom McAnear. He faithfully served in different officer positions as a Gideon and especially enjoyed passing out Bibles to students after school dismissals.

In 2002 John and Lois made a very special trip back to Carmi where John was very honored to be inducted into the Carmi High School Hall of Fame and was presented with a plaque by his favorite coach, Mr. John Evers.

John retired from work in 2008 before the birth of his first grandchild, while Lois jealously finished out the school year. In retirement, they enjoyed several cruises and travels to Hawaii, New York City, and Alaska, to name a few. They celebrated the births of 3 more grandchildren in San Antonio, and Denver, CO. John dearly loved his friends and acquaintances he made at Parkhills Baptist Church, and his membership there where he once again served as a Deacon. He is sorely missed by his family and friends from all walks of his life.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 9:30 am at Parkhills Baptist Church at 17747 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78232. Funeral service to begin at 10:30 am, with a grave-side service to follow at 1:00 pm at Mission Burial Park North, 20900 IH 10 West, San Antonio, TX 78257.