John “Johnny” Rampley

(September 22, 1925 – May 27, 2016)

On May 27, 2016, at 9:10 a.m. John “Johnny” Rampley finished strong the course set for him. Surviving the Great Depression”, WWII, 35 years of heart disease, and three daughters, Johnny entered God’s rest. He left us worn but true to himself and his Savior Jesus Christ.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 1st at Stephenville Funeral Home Chapel with Dean Bradley officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife, Ernestine; daughters; Cindy Herring, Cathy Rampley, & Cheryl Hume; grandchildren Chris Herring, Joel Herring, Raina Crain Lopez, Catherine Hume Harris, & Daniel Hume; great grandchildren, Kristen Herring, Brett Herring, Brenna McIlwain, Sydney Herring, & Shelby Herring; great-great grandchild, Lili Mae Thornton; & his special dog, “Lady”.

Johnny was born to Harvey & Mirl Rampley in Johnsville, TX on Sept. 22, 1925. He was the youngest of three boys who were known for their mischievous deeds. Their childhood stories told on Grandma’s porch would entertain their families for years to come.

Johnny attended school in De Leon & Stephenville. Eager to join his brothers serving in WWII, he enlisted in the Marines at age 17. He received his training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California and deployed with Marine 1st Division Third Armored Amphibious Battalion. Johnny spent his time on several Pacific islands, driving an amphibious tank for five beachheads, including Peleliu & Okinawa. He was on Guam when it was announced that the war had ended and often recalled to his family how his Marine buddy shouted over & over “We’re going to live, we’re going to live!”

And live Johnny certainly did! He lived another 72 years with the love of his life, Ernestine Michaels Rampley. After the war, he worked on the B36 bomber at Consolidated now known as General Dynamics of Fort Worth. Johnny’s most satisfying work was hearing the hum of a finely tuned engine.

Johnny & Ernestine’s happiest years were living on Proctor Lake & his greatest joy was his wife, three daughters, & all of his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing & gardening.

In his lifetime Johnny drove cement trucks, cattle trucks, taxi cabs, pickups, Dodge power wagons, a Duece & a half, military vehicles, amphibious tanks, motor homes, motor boats, & even small single engine planes, He even rebuilt an old school bus to take his buddies to Pagosa Springs, Colorado to elk hunt.

The irony is not lost on all who knew & loved him that his last task in this life was at the wheel.

Online condolences may be made at www.stephenvillefh.com.