John G. McAlpine, 84, passed away at his home in Victoria, Texas on Tuesday January 25, 2022. John was born August 1, 1937 in San Antonio to parents Gwyn and Catherine McAlpine. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1955. He attended Texas A&M University in College Station and Texas A&I University in Kingsville where he studied engineering. During that time, he met the love of his life, Anna Teague, and they were married on September 5, 1959 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Victoria. They had three cherished daughters, and after the last girl was born, he wondered how he would ever get a word in edgewise or pay for all those weddings!
John joined the U.S. Army in 1960 where he served 6 months active duty in New Jersey and 6 years in the Army reserves.
John worked at Union Carbide for 40 years, first as an operator and later in shipping and receiving. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he served on his neighborhood pool board, assisted with church festivals, and was a member of Travelers Protective Association in Victoria. After he retired, he volunteered at Victoria Christian Assistance Ministries (VCAM) in various capacities. John was also an avid domino and poker player, and when he knew he was out of plays, he’d exclaim, “Stick a fork in me, I’m done!”
John was a loving and dedicated son, husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anna, his three daughters, Debbie (Richard) Kunkel, Michelle (Brad) Bruegging, and Lisa (Randall) Thompson, grandchildren, Zachary (Hannah) and Claire Kunkel, Kyle and Amy Bruegging, Foster and Noah Thompson, his sister, Patricia (Kirke) King, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gwyn and Catherine.
A visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 11, 2022 from 5-7 pm at Rosewood Funeral Home, 3304 E. Mockingbird Ln, Victoria. A funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 10:00 am at The Cathedral of Our Lady of Victory, 1309 E. Mesquite Ln, Victoria. There will also be a rosary at 9:30 am prior to the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph High School, Special Olympics Texas, or Victoria Christian Assistance Ministries.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
