John Texter

John Christopher Texter, 55, passed away on September 7, 2024, in Jacksonville, FL at the Mayo Clinic. John fought a ferocious battle with Interstitial Lung Disease caused by an unknown autoimmune disease which resulted in pulmonary fibrosis, scarring of the lungs. He was a brave warrior, who never gave up and never lost his sense of humor.

John was born on May 8, 1969, in Winter Park, FL, to Dennis Albert Texter and Lois PerMar Texter.

John graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1987 and went on to study Law Enforcement at Daytona State. He started his lifelong career with Volusia County Beach Safety, where he started as a lifeguard, and became certified as an Emergency Medical Technician. He went into Law Enforcement where he utilized all three certifications and retired as a Senior Beach Patrol Officer in October of 2020. During his tenure with Volusia County, he was a hero to many. He saved countless lives, was a mentor to many including young law enforcement officers and lifeguards and a pillar in the community where he was unfailingly generous with his time. 

In addition to being known for his penchant for assigning everyone a “nickname”, John was also a gifted athlete. He represented Team Morey Boogie Bodyboard where he was All Time Champion for Eastern Surfing Association in 1985 and 1986. He also represented the North Central Florida District in the East Coast Pioneer in Men’s Body Boarding for Eastern Surfing Association, winning back-to-back in 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990. 

John was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend to many. 

After retirement, he enjoyed fishing, traveling with his wife and friends, and enjoyed the time well spent with his daughter. Sadly, he left us too soon, but the memories will always live on with us.

John is survived by Kathy, his loving, devoted wife and best friend and resided in New Smyrna Beach, former spouse Kimberley Whalen Texter and their daughter Summer Texter, her fiancé Garrett Capman, of Deland. Also survived by his mother, Lois PerMar Texter, his brother Dennis Texter and his wife along with Kathy's family, Jackie and Vince Naglieri (Mom and Stepdad), Karen Lutz (Sister), Butch and Angela Eicher (Sister and Brother-in-Law) and several nieces and nephews and great nephews. 

John is preceded in death by his father, Dennis Albert Texter.

The service for Mr. John Texter will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 PM at Lankford Funeral Home. A visitation will take place on the same day, preceding the service from 10:00 am to 12:00 PM with a reception following from 2:00pm to 4:00 pm.

A Memorial Paddle Out will be scheduled at a later date. Please check back here once that date and time are finalized.

Memorial donations can be made in John's name to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation