John E. Wait, a life-long resident of Dimmitt, passed away at his home on May 5, 2020 at the age of 70.  He was born in Kansas City, Kansas to JoAnne Vanderwerf and at a very young age, he and his mother were welcomed into the Wesley Wait family.  John was raised and attended school in Campo, Co., where he finished the 9 ^th grade, but later went on to receive a high school diploma in 2011, which was a very proud milestone in his life.  At the very young age of 15, he moved with a combine crew to Dimmitt, Texas where he met Doris Baylets on October 20, 1965 and they married each other one short month later.  Doris brought to this marriage one young son, Gene, whom John proudly raised as his own.  John and Doris were married for 38 years before her passing in 2004.  John was in the irrigation pump repair service industry, and had been a machinist for several years.  He worked at various businesses in the surrounding areas for over 40 years, with the latest working for Nelson Well Service, where he retired in 2017.

On May 28, 2006, John and Debbie were united in marriage and for the past, almost 14 years, have been in ministry together in the pastoral position.  Serving as Pastor of the Living Waters Ministries here in Dimmitt until 2017.  John loved God with all his heart and witnessed to those who he came in contact with.  His final ministry was that of, the sweet "Door Greeter", at the Tulia 1 ^st Assembly of God Church in Tulia, TX.

John loved going to sporting events and backing the area teams, he especially had a love for Basketball.  He would travel to as many games as possible; he loved to travel and go sight-seeing.  If anyone would ask him "Have you been to this place?", his response might be "no, but when are we going?"

Those left to cherish the memories of John Wait are his wife, Debbie of their home; a son, John Wait Jr. (Janie) of Ft. Worth; 2 daughters Danette Freeman of Midland, and Melissa Hacker of Amarillo. In 2006, he welcomed two additional sons; Bobby O'Neal (Andrea) of Pueblo, CO, and David O'Neal (Chelsea) of Canyon, TX; 17 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren, that were all very loved and shared that same love towards their "Pops, Papa, and Papa John".  He is also survived by his mother-in-law Mary Ann Resch-Fowler (Roy), several brothers, sisters, and numerous other extended family and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; Wesley and JoAnne Wait; his wife, Doris; son, Gene; grandson, Travis, and a great granddaughter, K-Sharon.

A come and go viewing will be held Friday, May 8, 2020 from 4:00 P.M. to  8:00 P.M. at Colonial Funeral Home in Dimmitt, TX.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday May 9, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. at Rest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Hereford, TX under the direct care of Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Tulia First Assembly of God  Church, c/o Remodeling Fund, 211 SE 4th St., Tulia, Texas 79088 or a charity of your choice.

You may go online and sign the register book at www.colonialfuneralhome.org