Obituary: Deshazo, John F. “Pork Chop”
Age 86
Born to William and Freddie May DeShazo on July 20, 1929 in Childress, TX.
Over the years he shared many captivating stories about growing up in Texas during the Great Depression.
In August 1950, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base.
After his service in the Air Force, he managed various meat departments around Washington State.
He went on to open Butcher Boys Meats, with his partners Maury and Ron VanDamme - “Riverside and Brown, Best Meat in Town!”
Later in life he went on to deliver bulk mail with the US Postal Service.
1958 he married Gloria Kloepfel, and became “Dad” to Gloria’s four young children; Vicki, Cindy, Don and Rick.
John and Gloria added to their family with the births of their daughter Kimberly and son Thomas.
In 1970, he became a member of The Alano Club.
After achieving his sobriety, he made it his life’s work to help others do the same.
“Pork Chop”, as he was known to his AA family, helped countless individuals gain their sobriety in his 45 years with the program.
He had a heart as big as Texas - and a personality just as big.
His passions in life were his family and friends and the Dallas Cowboys.
He enjoyed boating, country music and playing cards at the Alano Club.
He is survived by his sister Betty DeBey, Amarillo, TX; daughter Kimberley Adams Spokane, WA; son Thomas DeShazo (Molly) Spokane, WA; Vicki Leveque (Charlie) St Charles, LA, Cindy Kelly, Phoenix, AZ, Don Kloepfel, Spokane, WA, Rick DeShazo Cheney, WA, Genia DeShazo, Spokane, WA.
Also, step-children Julie Hack, Spokane, WA, Faith Capstick, Seattle, WA, Amy Capstick, Seattle, WA; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by Gloria Brewer (Kloepfel) Spokane, WA; brothers, Joe DeShazo Dumas, TX and Jackie DeShazo Fairfield, CA.
A special thank you to all his doctors and nurses at Spokane VA Hospital.
Public viewing Saturday October 31st, 12-4pm, and Sunday November 1st 4-8pm, at Hennessey Funeral Home 2203 N. Division, Spokane, WA 99207.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday November 2, 2015 at Assumption Catholic Church 3618 West Indian Trail, Spokane, WA 99208 - a luncheon at Assumption to follow.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Spokane Alano Club.
Please visit John’s memorial page at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.