John Evans Ache

John Evans Ache went home to the dear Lord on November 20th, passing quietly at his home with his wife Diane. John leaves behind his two sons, Matt and Scott and grandson Logan, two brothers Paul and Hugh, their wife’s (sister in laws) Katie Ache and Tracy Ache and his cousin Stephen who was truly a brother to John. John loved his daughter in law(love) Stacy and embraced and loved the newest family members Morgan and daughter Rowan. He was preceded in death by his father Paul Ache and mother, Betsy Evan’s Ache. Like any child born in the 1950’s, especially boys, this was the heyday of the western cowboy shows. Shows like Have Gun Will Travel, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, and Maverick all had certain themes and values for the cowboys of the west. They were clearly defined values of love of family, living courageously, sticking up for the underdog, good vs bad, generosity, loyalty, loving with humor, being God fearing and living a life of service to others. John Ache loved these values and lived these values. The cowboy theme was also the dominant theme in the movies growing up. And there was no bigger cowboy than John Wayne and John Ache loved John Wayne movies. El Dorado, a story of the underdogs overcoming the establishment, is one of John’s favorites. In this movie, a sheriff (Dean Martin) and a cripple deputy {Walter Brennan) take on the bad guys and good triumphs. Great movie and great metaphor for how John saw life. John was an adventure. He secretly did want to just be a cowboy. He even ran away at 14 to be cowboy. He loved that life and its values. But he didn’t get far when he ran away and discovered that he could still be a cowboy and live in the big city. Fortunately for us. Let’s look at some of these cowboy values. John loved his family. John and Diane were married 45 years ago and spent 4 years before that together. Their love was so apparent to all and characterized with laughter by the ironies of life and the joy of simple fun. John had a deep laugh from his gut. It was unforgettable only to be topped when he and Diane both laughed together. Totally coming from his whole being and hers too. He loved Diane so much and they shared so many special times and their love for their sons, Matt and Scott. John wanted his sons to live on their terms and as men of character. They do and they are. Living courageously. John was very brave. That is one reason he was so enamored with the cowboy ethos. He understood bravery and courage. He loved military history because he could appreciate the sacrifices that men and women make in service to their country, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice. John appreciated this and enjoyed the John Wayne movies dealing with these sacrifices. John loved sticking up for the good guys in life and the values of Christ defined by the struggle between good and evil. He loved the underdog and Christs virtue. John’s persona was always bigger than life. He never met a stranger and was warm and welcoming to all. Even going to the beverage barn, he would always greet everyone and converse in their native language or one of his favorite restaurants, La Fiesta . He greeted everyone and talked to all while ordering his queso for all to share. His generosity was immeasurable only limited by his pocketbook but never by his heart. John would go on about a great article he read and the next thing you knew, you would receive a subscription to the magazine courtesy of John. He loved people and always wanted to help them. Money was always shared by John. He helped so many without regard to his sacrifice. John’s love of God was always on his mind. He and Diane spoke often of their faith and Gods love. He often exclaimed the daily miracles that were so evident, and the beauty of Gods plans. Even though he was bed bound, Sunday morning viewing belonged to a wide variety of ministers. John always listened hard and took it all in. He loved the Lord and marveled at the glory. He had his pains in life and sought God to help with pain and peace. I am certain John is at home with his Lord and at peace marveling at all that he encounters with boundless joy. John lived like John Wayne, the actor, and the person. He was larger than life, generous to all his loved ones to a fault, had strong values and beliefs, had a profound sense of humor and deep love for all. He worried about the underdog just like the Duke. Wayne often had the same people in his movies to help them and was surrounded by his friends and loved ones. John Ache’s movie was the same, surrounded by his loved ones, Diane and his sons, grandson, daughter in love, brothers, extended family, friends, repeatedly. He loved everyone and took great joy in sharing life with his loved ones. Like the Duke he had a nickname too, Jub Jub. He loved to pray with his loved ones and that was one of his last earthly acts. Bless you John and thank you. Well done good and faithful servant. We love you. A special thanks to John’s caregivers Kimberly Ann Matilda, Jamie, Candy, Frankie and Gentiva Hospice who were so loving and took such good care of John and the family.

John Evans Ache

February 23, 1954 - November 20, 2025