John Wayne Stepp

John Wayne Stepp entered into the gates of Heaven on Monday, October 9, 2023, at the age of 86. He joined his wife Mary Ann Stepp to dance eternally in the Grace of God. He was born on October 3rd, 1937, in Abilene, TX to the late John Conley and Ruth Beatrice McMinn Stepp.

John Wayne graduated from Lelia Lake High School and a few short years later married Mary Ann Douglas, and they were happily married for 66 years. John worked in the Agriculture Industry, he started at The Donley County Office in Clarendon, TX, and later retired in 1996 as the County Executive Director from the Calhoun County Farm Service Agency, in Port Lavaca, TX.

John Wayne is survived by his daughters, Denise Ann Stepp Pozzi (Zane Hartman), and Carrie Jean Stepp Spence (Jeff Spence). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi (Garrett Tonozzi), Travis Spence (Veronica Spence), Brooke Pozzi Smith (Blake Smith) and Colt Spence. Also, great grandchildren Jaedynn, Haley, Chris, Bryce, Taylor, and Aubrey Spence, Tinlee Tonozzi, and Sloan Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Our Dad and Grandad brought so much joy and laughter, not only to his family, but to everyone who ever met “The Real” John Wayne as he would say. He was known to tell a joke or two, but all jokes aside, he was a good man that would give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. In his retired years in Victoria, TX John Wayne enjoyed his days on the golf course, his evenings at Klotch with friends, and always time with family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Stepp, and they’re grandson Dillon Spence.

Services will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel, 8819 U.S. Hwy. 87 North Victoria, TX 77904 on Saturday, October 28th, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow next door at Son Valley Ranch, 8973 U.S. Hwy. 87 North Victoria, TX 77904. To leave a comforting message, or to share a fond or funny memory, please visit www.gracefuneralhome.net.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Gentle Hearts Assisted Living, 1101 Salem Rd. Victoria, TX 77904.

Poem: In loving memory of Dad: Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still love, still miss and always very dear.