John Melvin Lindley
December 2, 1941 – May 15, 2019
John Lindley, 77, of Bryan, passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, in his home. The family will receive guests beginning at 10 until the time of service at 11 am, Saturday, June 8, 2019, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Centers, 3001 South College Ave, Bryan, Texas, 77801.
John was born to his parents John and Faye Lindley on December 2, 1941, in Thornton, TX. He was Union Elevator Constructor and card-carrying member of the National Elevator Union – Local 31 of Houston from 1967 to 1979. He withdrew from the Union and took a supervisory position with Westinghouse/Schindler Elevator. He worked for Schindler from 1980 until he retired in March 2011. After he retired from Schindler, he became an Elevator Inspector until March 31, 2019. All who knew him considered John a legend in the Elevator Industry.
He was well known for his strength and integrity, being a straight-shooter, he was all about honesty and told you how it was even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. He used several quotes such as “I love you like a brother” if you did a good job or he was happy with the results, or he would say, “you failed miserably” if you didn’t do what he expected from you. He had many different sayings throughout his career and enjoyed working with everyone in the industry. He loved life, his family, working, sports, hunting, and horse racing. When you think of John, please remember him as a hard-working man, a provider for his family, and a wonderful loving person full of laughter and funny quotes.
John’s parents preceded him in death.
John is survived by his wife Sharon the love of his life; his children Shelley Lindley, Kelley Lindley, sons, James McDowell and wife Lori, Justin Cheatham and wife Kristy; his grandchildren Rio Lindley, Shelbi Bayer and husband Colton, Jordin McDowell, Riley and Cash Cheatham; great-grandchildren Blakeli and Tucker Bayer; his brother James Roy Lindley and wife Bernice; his two nieces Mary and Cecile and their families; and numerous relatives and many close friends.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Ms Sharon, We are so sorry to hear of John’s passing, I’ve been praying for you since you told us he was ill. I will continue to pray for you and your peace. I can’t wait to see you again!
Peace may come and go for those left behind, but John has enteral Peace now, and that is something glorious all on its own. Praying for continued peace for the family, and wishing we were closer in distance so that we could love on you too.
My love, thoughts and prayers to the ‘daughter of our hearts’, Kelley Lindley, at the loss of her dad, the man who gave her her great love of sports. God Bless you ALL as you grieve this loss.
To Johnny’s Family,
I was very sorry and sad to hear of your loss and the loss of my cousin. i have many wonderful memories of Johnny at the annual Lindley Christmas gathering and his summer visits to Oletha when we were young. Our adult lives took us on different paths and to different parts of the country but I alway “kept up” with Johnny through my mother. I shall be forever grateful to him for visiting my mother every time he came to Oletha to visit his mother. I last saw him at one of our other cousin’s funeral earlier this year. Eventhough we had not seen each other in a long time we immediately bonded again . My prayers are with each of you.
I am so sorry that I will be unable to attend his service but I will be there in sprit.
John? “Yes”. Are you afraid of anything? John “ NOT A GOD DAM THING!”
That was John everyday. He was a true friend and my ‘go to’ person. If I needed help, he got the Job done. I taught him how to complete an expense report to keep the auditor at bay. I miss John and sorry I cannot attend the service. Sometimes he made me laugh so hard, that i cried. I needed that comfort. We sure built a great team in Houston and he was instrumental in putting Houston back as a top performing office. Ask Steve Burke about John’s agriculture exemption and the IRS. He loved his truck. He was the only superintendent that required special tires. He also was a great driver to use his left turn signal. Unfortunately he never turned it off. John drove at the minimum highway speeds. For sure! He loved Mexican food and eating at the Mexicatessen always hitting on the cashier. She was very attractive. He always carried a small chest with water. And shared it always. He was grouchy but a real teddy bear at heart. One of the real good guys now having no pain or fears. Gosh I could go on and on. God Bless you John. And your family
miss you so much Dad
What a GREAT man I had the opportunity to meet in 2002 at Schindler Elevator. I will never forget everything you taught to me, life lessons and great advice. I loved that you were the most stubborn man ALIVE!! Thank you for the precious time we spent together! You will be forever loved & missed.
What wonderful stories of a truly loved man! I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet John but I know he raised an awesome daughter-Shelly I’m so sorry for your loss but always loved to hear stories of the things your dad did for/with you and Rio! He will continue in your heart! Much love and prayers for you all!