John “J.P.” Percy Read, 85, of Orange, Texas, passed away on July 16, 2017, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 20, 2017, at Calvary Baptist Church, 2420 Western Ave., Orange, Texas, 77630. Officiating will be Reverend David Millner and Elder Gerald Read. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery Mausoleum.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Port Neches, Texas, on June 26, 1932, he was the son of Escar Leon Read and Bessie (Rhodes) Read. John worked as a shift leader for DuPont Sabine River Works and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He graduated Valedictorian of Merryville High School, was a member of City Council, and was on the board for Sabine Federal Credit Union. He enjoyed playing music - mostly guitar, playing 42 and dominoes, and grilling and telling stories. John loved his church, the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Escar and Bessie; first wife of 52 years, Mary Hattie Read; and siblings, Ida Mae Hennigan, Eulavee “B” Hare, and William Jack “Bill” Read.

He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Read; children, Mary Janet Greene and husband Johnie, of Orangefield, Kirby Wayne Read and wife Debbie, of Orange, and Kevin Read and wife Beatriz, of Bridge City; grandchildren, Korey Read and wife Malorie, Kody Read, and Keith Read; step-grandchildren, Kim Sonnier and husband Ronnie, Kirt Greene and wife Danielle, and Jimmy Shiyou and wife Kathy; great-grandchildren, Logan Kole, Quinn Ginger, Tyler, and Alyssa; step-great-grandchildren, Kellen, Madelyn, and Dillon; and his siblings, Gerald Read and wife Gene, of Merryville, Merle Craft, of Merryville, and Aileen Read, of Lakewood, Colorado.

Serving as pallbearers will be Kirby Read, Kevin Read, Korey Read, Kody Read, Keith Read, Blane Read, Bruce Read, and Barry Read.