John Carlton Shands

John Carlton Shands age 63 died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 12, 2010.

Born December 15, 1946 in Dallas, Texas, John s family moved to the Valley when he was still a baby. He was an alum of Schreiner Institute, attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, and served four years in the United States Navy. John completed two tours in Vietnam with Squadron VA22.

John married Mary Jane Hale Shands on June 30, 1973. The next year he opened Shands International Travel, and remained in the travel industry until 2009, serving as Executive Vice President of Leisure Travel Alliance.
John is remembered by his friends and family as a kind, loving and fun man, a savvy entrepreneur, and a wonderful father. He will also be remembered for his passion for sailing and his love of travel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carlton and Hazel Shands, and his nephew Carlton Caskey.

Survived by his loving wife Mary Jane, his daughters Tracy Jane Buchanan Brad Buchanan, Mary Allison Acosta Dennis Acosta, and Jeanne Courtenay Shands fianc Brock Hughston his sister Sondra Shands Charles Graff his granddaughters Jordan Haley Buchanan and Jaycee Ella Acosta numerous nephews, nieces and other loved ones.

A visitation will take place at Darling Mouser Funeral Home on Sunday, June 13, 2010, from 3:005:00 p.m.. A chapel service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday June 14, 2010 at Darling Mouser Funeral Home, followed by a graveside ceremony at Buena Vista Burial Park. Johns brotherinlaw, Reverend Charles Graff, will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Gary Wilson, Ron Humphreys, Randy Davis, Stuart Godwin, Fred Rusteberg and Tate Celaya. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Lewis, Wayne Niderost, and John Cutney.

Military Honors will be conducted at the graveside under the direction of the American Legion Post 43 of Brownsville, Texas.

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