John Curtis Linda

John Curtis Linda, 93, of Waco, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at St. Anthony's Care Center.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, with burial following at Waco Memorial Park. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

John was born on July 24, 1931, in Mobridge, South Dakota, to John B. and Hulda Linda. He graduated from Mobridge High School in 1949. After graduation, he began working for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad. He was drafted into the Air Force in 1951 and served as an Airman First Class. During his time in the Air Force, he was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in Waco.

In February of 1954, while serving as best man at the wedding of Dick and Bobbie Perley, John was introduced to Eunice Watson. The two were married on December 10, 1954. Together, they had a son, John Watson Linda, and celebrated 66 years of marriage. John retired from the FAA as an avionics technician at the Waco Regional Airport in 1988. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and was devoted to serving his church, St. Matthew Lutheran, as Property Chair and head usher for many years. He also served on the church council.

Pops had a dry sense of humor and loved to greet everyone with “Bah humbug” and “Many happy returns of the day to you too, boo-boo!” If you didn’t get a “bah humbug” reply from him, something was wrong. He loved little quips, often delivered with a smile or laugh and a mischievous grin. Pops especially enjoyed sharing his love of trains with his grandsons, taking them on many train chases and train rides. He collected train memorabilia of all kinds, and his knowledge of train history was endless.

He played a key role in assisting Waco Lions Park with the acquisition of a miniature train and steam engine. Many weekends were devoted to maintaining and caring for the trains, with help from his son and grandsons.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John B. and Hulda Linda; his wife, Eunice Linda; and his son, John W. Linda.

He is survived by his daughter-in-law, Carol Linda; his grandsons, Bradley Linda, Matthew Linda (Brittney); his great-granddaughter, Hadlee Jo Linda, with another great-granddaughter expected in June; and by the "livestock," as he lovingly referred to the family pets, Luna and Rusty.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring staff at St. Anthony's Care Center and to the Community Hospice staff—Kevin, Sherry, Terri, Chelsea, and Chaplain Luke—for their care and support of John.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 800 N. New Road, Waco, TX 76710.

Bah Humbug – we love you.

you.

John’s family invite you to leave a message or memory of him in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.