John Sallabedra, 89, died Aug. 21, 2012, at his home in Hutchinson.

He was born Sept. 9, 1922, in Plevna, Kan., the son of Valentin and Valentina (Reyes) Sallabedra.

He was a 1941 graduate of Sylvia High School and later graduated from Salt City Business College. John was a WWII Army Air Force veteran, serving as Tech Sgt. from 1943-1945. He retired from the Hutchinson Post Office. He was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. John was an active church volunteer, spending many hours mowing and doing other grounds maintenance, as well as helping at the State Fair church booths. He was also the bookkeeper for the church for several years.

On Aug. 25, 1943, he married Josephine Garcia in Hutchinson. She died Feb. 8, 1994.

Survivors include: three daughters, Rita Castro, Carolyn Flores and husband Daniel, all of Hutchinson, Julie Wickencamp and husband Mark of Wichita; a brother, Sonny Sallabedra of Stafford; three grandsons, John Lujano and wife Carol of McPherson, Dan Flores Jr. and wife Valerie, Zachary Wickencamp, all of Wichita; two great-grandchildren, Hannah and John P. Lujano. He was preceded in death by his wife; and two brothers, Robert and Everett Sallabedra.

Parish rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2012, with a Celebration of Christian Burial to follow at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with Father Ned J. Blick presiding. Burial will be in Fairlawn Burial Park with military honors conducted by McConnell Air Force Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Reno County or Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.