John Rivas Jr.

John Rivas, age 87, loving husband to wife, Peggy, for 48 years, adoring father of six, and beloved grandfather to thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren passed away Saturday, November 5th at home surrounded by loved ones after a long illness. John was born in 1935 in Houston, Texas and grew up surrounded by a large family. John graduated from Jeff Davis High School in Houston, TX. He lettered in various sports, was in numerous drama class productions, as well as, holding the position of Senior Class Treasurer.

John enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and was named Honor Guard of his unit in San Diego. John was promoted several times and was Sergeant when he was honorably discharged after eight years of service. One of John’s proudest moments is when his grandson, Tyler Ferrell, walked in his footsteps and became a Marine in 2021 and earned Honor Guard in San Diego as well. John never forgot his service in the Corp and had stories for days about all his adventures and his duty station antics which he loved to talk about till the day he died.

John was known for giving nicknames to those he loved and cared about. Some of those nicknames are still used even as adults. John played the guitar and entertained many family members and friends, especially his children and grandchildren. They have such fond memories of him playing to them throughout their lives. He could sing too and entertained in a group off and on for a few years. He was a natural born leader and held many managerial jobs throughout his life. For 23 years he worked for Montgomery County with his last position being a Compliance Officer. John’s greatest joys were his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He loved to play games with them and entertain them with his theatrics and make believe. He spoiled them as much as he would dare and loved them with all his heart. In his free time, John loved to fish, hunt and especially play golf which he did till his old football knee wouldn’t take him where he wanted to go anymore.

John will be greatly missed by his six children, Johnny Rivas III (Pam); Bret Rivas (Pattye) both of McAlester, OK; Henry Rivas (Jeff) Carrollton, TX; Caroline Rivas (Stacy) Manhattan Beach, CA; Brian Rivas (Jennifer) Tomball, TX, Holly Rivas Ferrell (John) Corvallis, MT. Thirteen Grandchildren - Johnny Rivas IV (Brittni); Shane Rivas (Melissa), Mark Henry Ford, Amber Rivas Edwards (Cory); Steven Amos (Rachel); Cassie Rivas Grilliot (Clark), Tyler Ferrell (Ana), Caden Ferrell, Jaxon Ferrell, John Ferrell Jr, Kylie Ferrell, Grayson Rivas, Rebecca Rivas, fourteen Great Grandchildren, his beloved little sister Gloria Culpepper and his dear eldest sister Carmen Espana along with many nieces, nephews and many other relatives..

We know you wanted us to let you go and that you were ready, but we will never be ready to be without you in our lives. We will forever yearn for your hugs, to hear you talk, sing, play the guitar and tell us jokes. We are relieved that you are out of pain and back to your happy, athletic, healthy self in the arms of our Lord. That is the only solace in this, is that we know you are happy and free of pain and with your loved ones in heaven......till we meet again my love....

John was preceded in death by his parents John Rivas, Sr and Modesta Arteaga Rivas, brothers Henry Bata, Joe Bata, Tony Ramirez, sisters, Theresa Reyes, Ruth Garcia and Helen Vasquez.

Donations may be made to Semper Fi & America’s Fund in John’s name at https://thefund.org

There will be a visitation Sunday, November 13th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at

Forest Park The Woodlands,

18000 Interstate 45 S.

The Woodlands, TX 77384

Funeral Mass Monday, November 14th at 10:00 AM at

St Simon & Jude Catholic Church

26777 Glen Loch Drive

The Woodlands, TX 77381

Graveside Services immediately following at

Forest Park The Woodlands