John A. Glidewell

John A. Glidewell, 87, of Midland, TX, passed away on Nov. 19, 2020. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00PM on Wednesday, Nov. 25th at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Services will begin immediately thereafter.John was born on July 5, 1933 in Rankin, Texas to V.F. (Arky) and Myrl Glidewell. The Glidewells moved to Big Lake, TX in 1946 where John worked alongside his dad and brother in the family owned business. V.F. Glidewell “Arky” had a fleet of 6 stock hauling trucks where John started at the early age of 14, making solo trips to Ft. Worth and all over the great state of Texas. During this time, John had the longest stock trailer in the state of Texas measuring 37’6”, 6” over legal limit. In 1952 John married Marinell Cartwright, his high school sweetheart. Over their 57 years together they had three children. Marinell was John’s best friend, work companion, bookkeeper, and greatest supporter. They did great things together. Together they built a solid foundation for their family, set a stellar example of marriage, companionship, hard work, integrity, honesty, faith, and dedication all through obedience to God. John eventually ended up driving a transport truck for the Western Oil Company. Marinell became the dispatcher for the company, working out of her kitchen. Thus, begins his successful and rewarding career in the oil and gas industry. An industry that transferred the family from Texas to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana and back to Texas where he eventually retired to go on to pipeline consulting till the age of 85. John attended Oral Roberts University at night while working in Oklahoma. During his retirement he was contracted by Henry Pump to orchestrate, build and prove an experimental pump which he did out of his home and test ran the pump 700 recorded consecutive hours. John was a Master Mason, 32°Scottish Rite, Suez Temple Shriner. John was past Master of two lodges in Midland. He received his 60-year pin on August 23, 2014, and his 65-year pin in 2019. John’s grandson Jake Glidewell “Asked one to be one” and became an active member of the same lodge. Jake had the honor of presenting his grandfather at the 60- and 65-year ceremonies. John was a rancher along with his son Robert Lynn Glidewell who lived on the Glidewell Ranch, in Miles, outside of San Angelo. Their ranching endeavors included raising Barbados sheep, Spanish goats and a hand full of cows. John Glidewell was a man of his word. He was a man that honored his word with a handshake. He was a man of boundless resources and energy. He fiercely provided for his family, loved teaching, and guiding his kids. He embarked on many adventures with his grandkids, teaching them to hunt, respect, enjoy and appreciate the outdoors, creating lifelong memories as well as valuable lessons. John taught us to work before play, and work didn’t stop just because the sun went down. His vast knowledge was amazing as there was nothing he couldn’t do. John was preceded in death by his wife, Marinell, his son, Robert Lynn, his brother, Douglas “Rusty” Glidewell, and one sister, Maxine Jenkins. He is survived by two daughters, Vicky Jo Thompson and Karen Ann Barnes and husband Mark, eight grandchildren, Marcanne Barnes of Millsap, Lacey Gordon (Jackie) of Lubbock, Sunny Walton of Abilene, Levi Thompson of Breckenridge, Jake Glidewell (Crecsendia) of Georgetown, Brayhton “Bucky” Glidewell of San Angelo, Ethan Glidewell (Sara) of Ft. Worth and Kathleen Buck (Cris) of San Angelo and eleven great-grandchildren. We want to acknowledge and honor Beverly Bristow and family. Beverly was John’s companion, friend, and caretaker. John loved and adored her, as we all do. We are blessed to have her as our “step-mother”. Her loving heart, her tender care and precious soul are things we all aspire to have. We could not have done without Ms. Beverly. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,