John Edward Essery

JOHN EDWARD ESSERY July 19, 1944 - May 4, 2022 John Edward Essery was born in Slaton, Texas to Roy Lynn King and Esther Dorothy Rexwinkel July 19, 1944. His mother married La Vern Essery May 9, 1952, and on February 10, 1958, his family went to court and John, sister Sandra (Sandee) and brother David were officially adopted by their loving father La Vern. John grew up in Lakewood California and enjoyed camping with his family. He was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1963. John graduated from college in 1966 and joined the United States Army. He proudly served his country as an MP. John graduated from the Sheriff's academy and began his lifelong career April 25, 1968, as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff until his retirement May 14, 1997. He was our very own "Sheriff John." John was blessed with two children, Bob Essery (deceased February 26, 2007) and Leslie Laurel Essery. He loved raising his family in Quartz Hill California. Bob and Leslie were his pride and joy and the light of his life. There is nothing he wouldn't have done for them. John moved to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1999. It was there that John met the love of his life, Shirley Holt, and they spent eighteen wonderful years together until his passing into the arms of Jesus May 4, 2022. John died of respiratory failure surrounded by love with Shirley, Leslie, Kevin, Sandee, and Don at his side. John is survived by his daughter Leslie Kirst (husband Kevin), granddaughter Kamryn McBride, four great grandchildren Sofia, Rojelio, Ofelia, Elana, sister Sandee Christofferson (husband Don), brother David Essery (wife Teena), Uncle Bill and Aunt Joyce Rexwinkel, many cousins, nieces, and nephews. John loved his extended family and made every effort to spend time with them and never wanted to miss a family gathering. John was an honorable man of integrity, honesty, intelligence, fierce loyalty, understanding, compassion, patience, generosity, kindness and caring. He was a faithful friend and loved to help people whenever needed and for whatever reason. John never said no. He was self-taught and had mega skills in the field of computers. He built his own personal computers and built them for his family and friends. He was extremely adept at computer programming and was only a phone call away if someone needed his assistance. John was a voracious reader and loved countless genres of music. He had a massive collection of books, music, and movies. John's grin, sense of humor, joyous laughter, gentle heart, huge hugs, and signature "hello" will be missed by all! John was a mighty man with a heart of gold! John 14:1-3 Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go and prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.