John Joseph Previe, 65, of Wichita Falls, entered fully into the presence of the Lord on Saturday, July 9, 2022. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and Christian, who spoke often of his readiness to be with his beloved Lord.

A Celebration of Life in John's and the Lord's honor will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20 ^th at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, Texas. Interment with military honors will follow at Rosemont Cemetery under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

John Previe walked into the loving arms of the Father from United Regional Hospital in Wichita Falls, TX with his wife, Karen, daughter, Kristen Previe, and beloved friend Karen Shifflett at his side. John was a native of Shrewsbury MA. The son of Mary T. (Yirak) and Charles Previe, John was born on November 13, 1956, in Boston, MA and, despite all his years in TX, no one mistook him for a native because he never lost that non-rhoticity. (If you are unsure of the meaning, it's r-dropping).

John entered the United States Air Force in 1976 and became a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. While stationed at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB), TX he met his life-long best-friend and wife, Karen. They enjoyed a military assignment to Elmendorf AFB, AK where they were blessed with their vivacious and independent daughter, Kristen.  Their assignment to Sheppard AFB, TX, changed the trajectory of their lives. Falling in love with their newfound Christian faith, their service to their community blossomed.  After assignments to Lowry AFB, CO and Naval Weapons Station, Charleston SC, they returned to Sheppard AFB because Wichita Falls, TX had become the anchor point for their development of a growing relationship with Christ in a loving community. John received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology with a Minor in Mathematics from Midwestern State University.  He worked at Tranter PHE in Wichita Falls, TX as an Engineering Specialist and at the 82nd CES/SABER as a Project Manager at Sheppard.  He took civil service positions as a Draftsman at MSG/CECC Sheppard, as an Engineering Technician at FT Sill, OK, and retired from civil service as an Engineering Technician, Trainer Development, 982 MXS/LGMX in May 2021.

John excelled at everything he ever attempted to accomplish, including his education, his military service, and his career in engineering.  John was exceptionally skilled in the building trades, carpentry, woodworking, mechanics, electrical, and plumbing and spent time enthusiastically working with friends on a variety of individual and joint ventures.  During military assignments in SC, CO, and TX. John and his family volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, where he put his amazing carpentry skills to good purpose.  The family also did volunteer work with Christmas in April in Wichita Falls.

Throughout his life, John was an outdoor enthusiast.  He enjoyed his time with family,  friends and faithful canines fishing, water sports, snow skiing, sledding, tubing, hiking, and "Bubba rides" - exploring new roads and the treasure awaiting at the end of the trail.

John was talented, intelligent and, to those who truly knew and loved him--John was mischievous and down-right hilarious.  His sarcastic wit never tired.  John was a big man, Paul Bunyan big, with an even bigger heart.  John's true gift was that he genuinely excelled at loving the people in his life, including his beloved wife, confidant, and admitted soulmate, Karen.  John loved and adored his beautiful daughter, Kristen and his lovely granddaughters, Hannah and Alivia, with all of his heart and soul.  He maintained close and enduring friendships as well and became a beloved brother in Christ to so many others—even in the absence of a blood-kinship.  John, quite literally, gave strangers the coat off his back, provided food to the hungry, and kindness, consolation and prayers to the weary of heart.   If you were loved by John Previe, you were never left to wonder about it because he made sure you knew it, each time he saw you or spoke with you.  John loved the Lord and he loved those of us he left behind very well. He was generous and wise, a loyal friend, great counselor, encourager, and skillful humorist - every day brought laughter and the comfort in knowing that you could rely on his word, trust him, and know that, no matter the circumstance, you had a rich and faithful supporter and defender. John never left the people in his life without that sentiment and the biggest, warmest bear hug anyone one could receive.  John loved us well.

But above all, John loved his Lord and everyone who knew John knew that his love for the Lord was sincere and all-embracing and that he was, in every way, ready to be with his beloved Christ.  This great hugger has now met his Lord and King and is embraced by the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Karen Previe; daughter, Kristen Previe; granddaughters, Hannah and Alivia Murray; sisters Mary Hough and Lorraine Previe; and nieces Amy Previe and Michelle Tripp and countless brothers and sisters in Christ.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Faith Mission, 1300 Travis, Wichita Falls, TX 76301.

John 14:1-3 – Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God, and trust also in me.  There is more than enough room in my Father's home.  If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Revelation 21:4 – And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away.

Ruth 1:16-17 – But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge.  Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God.  Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.  Thus may the Lord do so to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.