John Edward (Johnny) Rader

John (Johnny) Edward Rader was born to John J. and Margaret Rader on August 25, 1949 in Santa Rita, New Mexico, and passed away from stomach cancer and joined his heavenly family on March 26, 2024 at Medical City Weatherford Hospital.

He graduated from Cobre High School in Bayard, New Mexico in 1968. After graduation, John enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving a total of 8 years. His first enlistment was November 1, 1970 to July 21, 1972, in which he served a tour of duty in Vietnam serving as a trained Military Security Dog Handler. His second enlistment was from May 20, 1974 to April 1, 1978. While in the military, John also received training for Aircraft Maintenance Inspection and was honorably discharged with the rank of SSGT. He was a Master Mason, a lifelong member of VFW Post 8235 in Fort Worth, Texas, and a devoted member of the Bethany Christian Church.

After relocating to Texas, he began his career as a QA Inspector for General Dynamics Aircraft Company and was employed there for over a decade. In his life, he had a diverse employment history such as serving as a Security Officer for All Saints Cityview Hospital, Optician Clerk, Veterinary Assistant, with Lockheed Martin as a quality control inspector, and Leather Trading Company in the Fort Worth Stockyards, where he met his loving wife, Melody. While in Texas he became a great fan of the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed watching the games. He was an avid traveler and historical buff, traveling to many historical state and national parks, including going as far as Vicksburg, Mississippi. John was proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is loved, and deeply missed by his family and friends.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Melody Rader, of the home in Weatherford, Texas, and his faithful Sable German Shepherd, Rommel, and Boston Terrier, Ruby; four daughters, Sharilyn Sweet of Rapid City, South Carolina, Shannon Parker, Tressa Rader, and Jodi (Heath) Fron, of Fort Worth, Texas; step-children, Selena Brewer of Grapevine, Texas, Joshua Brewer, and Ryan Brewer, of Fort Worth, Texas; grandchildren, Gregory Rader, Clayton Gann, Hayden Childs, Emily Childs, Gabriel Rader, Jordan Rader, Errin Mills, and Jesse Fron; great-grandchildren, Aston Rader, Lincoln Gann, and Henry Allen; brother, Timmy Rader (Donna) of Silver City, New Mexico; sisters, Linda Hood (Tim), of Colorado, and Nancy Rogers (Bud), of Arizona; and several nephews, great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wives, Glenda Higgins Rader, of over 16 years, and Parice Aziere of over 13 years.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents.

A memorial service will be held at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 358 (VVA Chapter 358), c/o David Pratesi, P. O. Box 762, Santa Clara, NM 88026-0762.