John Henry Moses

John passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024, in the hospital, covered in prayer by his beloved children and grandchildren. He was born on January 3, 1944 to Willie Hickle Moses and Anna Mae Busker, the youngest of 3 children. He married the love of his life, Anna Mae Krnavek, on his birthday in 1976, raising 3 children together in Portland, TX. 

 John loved the Lord, having a generous soul and a servant's heart. He embodied our Catholic belief: ‘deny thyself, take up thy cross and follow me,’ Matthew 16:24. After joining Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church (OLMC) with his young wife, he became a Eucharistic Minister and was active in the Saint Vincent De Paul Society and Knights of Columbus. He stayed active in the Knights for the rest of his life. He also helped with the parish Boy Scout troop as his son went through the program. After 12 years of marriage he and Anna Mae became active in Marriage Encounter, serving married couples and enriching their marriage in the process. After Anna Mae's passing in 2001, John joined the diocese's Grief Support ministry, leading for several years, and he was still volunteering his time for the last 5 years. He was involved in the prison ministry, organized the parish annual coat drive, and helped with the ACTS retreats. Like the disciple, Tabitha, John "was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving." His heart broke for those who were alone. For years he would visit the sick and elderly to help them with meals and medication and give them the comfort of Jesus with his presence. He generously offered himself to his neighbors, either to mow lawns, trim trees, or help with anything he could.

 John loved being with his family, and he loved people. You could always count on him to give generous hugs, whether at church or at the HEB checkout, if he knew who you were, you were getting a hug! At all family gatherings, he became ‘Father John,’ and always led the prayer, opening his heart to the Spirit and blessing everyone.

 John’s self-sacrifice enabled him to assist all of his children with housing situations, from helping Jennifer 'build' her home, purchasing Michelle's home, to opening his own home to Jeff when he had the need. He was a proud, self-giving grandfather, always wanting to help out when his grandchildren were little, whether it meant watching them so mom and dad could have a break or get stuff done or helping with household chores, he never failed to give of himself to enrich their lives. He would remind them, "God sometimes does give you more than you can handle, but He gives you family to help carry the load."  He always prayed for his children & grandchildren and had great concern for their safety. 

 John also loved to dance. At every family wedding he would not sit down for long, and he loved to show off his groovy moves during the upbeat songs. On a regular basis, he would attend and help coordinate and set up the senior center's first Friday dances. He also drove to Corpus every Tuesday to attend the senior dance at Lindale up until 3 months ago. 

Even as aging began to affect him, he still remained involved. He attended daily mass and group lunches at the senior center.  He kept up with KC meetings, his holy hour, and his numerous appointments. During the quiet times he rediscovered Andy Griffith, The Beverly Hillbillies, and My Favorite Martian. Even if through texts, John kept in touch with family, friends and neighbors and would seek any small ways to help or offer prayers.

 John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anna Mae, his parents, and his brother, Donald Ray. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Marie Kahl, children, Jeff Moses, Jennifer (Jeff) Ranly, and Michelle Sarchet; grandchildren Hailey, Hope, Stephen, Zachary, Emily, Jacob, Zeke, and Kolbe, along with godchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 2024 with the Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. at Winsteads’ Funeral Home in Portland. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church followed by a graveside service at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Corpus Christi at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com