John Lewis Texeira

John L. Texeira was born May 30. 1942 in Los Angeles California. He was born John L. Casey, the first child of Helen (Baker) Casey and John William Casey. His parents divorced shortly after his birth. His mother later married Marcel E. Texeira who adopted him and raised him as his own son. John was ever grateful for Marcel's unselfish actions and for giving him the Texeira name.

John attended public as well as parochial (Seventh Day Adventist) schools in Los Angeles during his early years until his parents moved to Atascadero California in 1956 to open a liquor business (Stagecoach Liquors). John attended Atascadero High School and enjoyed playing football and wrestling during his High School years. He graduated and joined the Navy Reserve in 1960, he chose the Navy because his father served as a Seabee in the Philippines in WWII. John was stationed on the USS Mahan DLG 11 and the USS Procyon AF 61 during his time in service. He very much enjoyed his time in the Navy and the opportunity to serve his country.

Upon completing his tour of active duty John worked in the family business and as a retail clerk in the Safeway Store in Atascadero. He worked and commuted to Santa Maria to attend Allan Hancock Jr. College for several years. He graduated in 1965 with a degree in Business Administration.

John met Ruth Estrada, a local Santa Margarita girl shortly after he graduated from College. They fell in love, they were married in 1966, and lived in Atascadero. A year later their daughter Karen was born.

John decided upon a career in law enforcement and went to work as a Correctional Officer at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo. His career spanned 34 years. He promoted up through the ranks as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Facility Captain, Correctional Counselor, Program Administrator, Correctional Administrator. In 1987 John was hired as a Program Administrator at Avenal State Prison, where he was in charge of operating a Facility which housed 1,200 inmates. He worked in that capacity for many years and took great pride in training the staff in the many skills required in the day to day operation of the Prison. He was eventually promoted to Correctional Administrator at Pleasant Valley State Prison.

John had a deep love and respect for his wife Ruth, she was the right girl for him and they enjoyed 57 plus years of marriage. She was the girl of his dreams and the love of his life. John said her death was the most difficult thing he had to endure in his entire life. They did everything together, he could not wait to get home to her every night of his life. She was the sunshine in his life and the best thing that ever happened to him. They enjoyed traveling, gardening, and the quiet home life. Daughter Karen was a blessing as were their grandchildren, Nyle, Taylor, and Shannon.

John had a strong work ethic and love of Country, he was very patriotic, he had a deep spiritual connection and was thankful for the many blessings God provided him throughout his life including Ruth. He considered himself a “people person" and enjoyed fishing, quail hunting, being outdoors, and all the shooting sports. He always maintained his sense of humor, be it at work, or at home. He loved dogs and had a fondness for Brittany Spaniels.

John is survived by his daughter Karen, his brother Lewis Texeira, his grandchildren Nyle Ketcherside, Taylor Leonard, Shannon Sobey, and his great grandchildren Hazel Leyva, Erik Simmons, Levi Lewis Ketcherside, and newest great grandchild due March. John is also survived by wife Sara Miller, whom he married on August 8, 2026.

In accordance with John’s wish after his cremation he will be laid to rest in Atascadero District Cemetery, in a Catholic Burial.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday September 30th, 2026 at 12pm at Atascadero District Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Atascadero, CA 93422.