John Havens

John Havens was born November 8, 1926 in Westbrook, Texas to John and Mary Havens. He passed away January 25, 2022. As a young boy John moved with his family to Hamilton, Texas where he was raised.

From his earliest years, John’s main interest was always in trucks, and by the age of 16 he was already driving an 18-wheeler. After finishing school he joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Hood and then at Fort Bliss. While in the service he was an instructor in the Transportation Division training others to drive large trucks and buses. After his discharge from the U.S. Army he moved to Roswell, New Mexico where his parents were living.

It was then that John began his long career on the highway driving 18-wheelers. One of his fondest memories of living in Roswell was watching Nancy Lopez, famous LPGA Golfer, who was just a young girl at the time, hit golf balls. Nancy’s father and fellow truck driver was one of John’s best friends.

John never could give up his love of the road, and after driving 18 wheeler trucks for many years, he then drove Greyhound buses until his retirement. Retirement didn’t last long, and John drove school buses for a number of years after that in Lumberton, Texas. John was happily married to Mary Landry Havens for many years until her death in 2017.

John was a spirit filled Christian, loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Lumberton, Texas. John never truly met a stranger, and his memory will be kept alive from the stories he so often told to friends and family alike.

He lost his home during Hurricane Harvey and then due to declining health he moved into Village Creek Nursing Home in Lumberton where he was residing at the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Havens; and sister, Maroline Smith. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Bill Havens and wife Connie Havens; nephews, Billy Havens, Hayden Havens, Mark Havens and wife Allison Havens, Gus Smith and wife Karen Smith, Luke Smith; nieces, Millie Raymond and husband Gary Raymond, Billie Colleen Graham and husband John, Sandy Britton and husband Steve, Nancy Ledbetter and husband Danny and many great nephews and nieces.

Arrangements by Claybar Kelley Watkins Funeral Home, Beaumont, Texas.

Graveside services will be held January 28, 2022, at Resthaven Cemetery in Silsbee, Texas.