John Carl Steinbeck's Obituary
John Carl Steinbeck, 64, of Garland, TX, passed away surrounded by his loving family at his home on February 26, 2024, after a 13-month battle with GBM brain cancer. Fulfilling a lifelong goal, he willed his body to UT Southwestern to further participate in medical research.
John is survived by his wife, Wendy, and step-son, Ben Woodson; his children: Jade Parks of Cumming, GA, and husband, Dustin, Harrison Steinbeck of Aurora, CO; his mother, Ramona Steinbeck, and his sister, Margaret Chesney, both of West Monroe, LA; grandchildren Carly and Weston Parks, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Steinbeck, and cousin, Charles Kincade.
John was born in Monroe, LA, on March 25,1959, to Carl Steinbeck and Ramona Kincade Steinbeck. John graduated from West Monroe High School in 1977, before receiving a Bachelors in Geology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (MLU) and an MBA at Louisiana Tech University.
John will always be remembered for his infectious smile and zest for life. He had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. John loved traveling, going to concerts, running marathons, being outdoors, driving fast cars, walking his beloved dog, Blaze, sneaking a nap with his cat, Charger, gardening, watching NASA launches, and discussing politics.
John worked most recently as an HRIS analyst at HF Sinclair after working for over 20 years at Lumen (CenturyLink). He was a creative, eager manager and co-worker. No matter the task, he tackled it with a kind word and a smile.
John was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and colleague. He was a pilot, marathoner, political enthusiast, handyman, gardener and cyclist. However, he loved nothing more than his family. He was the greatest “Papa John” to his grandchildren.
There will be a Celebration of Life in John’s hometown as well as his adopted hometown, Dallas. At both, attire with color, as opposed to black, is preferred.
If you wish to honor John, please plant a tree in his honor or you may choose to do so via www.alivingtribute.org.
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?