John R. Tedford

John Roy Tedford, Jr., 80, of Sonora, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, Nov. 7, 2 pm, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora. The Rev. Milton Black will be officiant at the service with interment in St. John’s Columbarium. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. John was born in Dallas March 27, 1936. He was gifted with exceptional talent in music and his early years were spent developing his performance abilities under excellent teachers. Being devoted to education and the arts, John valued his years at Highland Park High School. He became a lifelong serious student of piano and organ, receiving his degree from Southern Methodist University with a major in Music Theory and Composition. John was on the organ staff of First United Methodist Church in Dallas for eight years. A noted accompanist, he was hired by the Dallas Summer Musicals where soon he became Musical Director and enjoyed an 11-year association with DSM. His conducting career took him on tours with shows throughout the U.S. and Canada. While at SMU, John met Dell Davis of Sonora. They were married June 5, 1957. In 1959, he and Dell moved to Sonora where John became involved with the family’s ranch. Between summers at Dallas Summer Musicals, he also taught piano to many West Texas students and served as organist/choir director for First United Methodist Church in Sonora. John was an extremely versatile person, capable and knowledgeable in multiple areas of interest. He taught English, Speech and Drama at Sonora High School for three years. He earned a Master’s degree from Angelo State University with a double major in Speech and English. His drama team’s one-act play won state in its division. In 1975, John and Dell purchased Barrow Jewelry in downtown Sonora. During the next 33 years, they found artistic expression in bringing fine jewelry, art and gifts to Sonora. They were rewarded with the cultivation of warm friendships and delighted customers. The Tedfords retired in 2008 to enjoy traveling to places of cultural interest. During John’s life in Sonora he was involved in the community. He was a member of the original Lillian M. Hudspeth Memorial Hospital Corporate Board prior to formation of the Hospital District. John remained on the Hospital Corporate (Ranch) Board, serving 30 years total. He also helped organize Sonora Community Arts and Theatre and was involved with the Historical Society and Sonora Main Street Program. In 1983 John, along with other business and civic leaders, was responsible for organizing and founding the Sutton County National Bank, which later became The Bank & Trust. He has served continuously on the bank’s Board of Directors for 33 years. John was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Sonora and he was serving on its Vestry at the time of his death. John dearly loved his two children, Gregg and Valerie, to whom his fatherly love and guidance were sources of great inspiration. He treasured his relationships with people, whether helping a singer sound her best, visiting a nursing home patient, hosting a party or imparting the nuances of a piano solo to his children. John was loved deeply by his family. In recent years, his beloved dog Lusha has been a joyful and blessed companion. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harriet C. and John R. Tedford, Sr. He is survived by his wife Dell, with whom he celebrated 59 years of marriage, son Gregg Tedford and wife Lynn of Austin, daughter Valerie Tedford Queen of San Angelo, and brother Richard C. Tedford of Deer Park, Texas. The family expresses deep appreciation to those at Schleicher County Nursing Home and with Hospice of San Angelo for their special care of John during the end of his earthly life. We are grateful for the prayers and support of many caring friends. Arrangements are with Love Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at lovefuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church or any charity of choice.