Johnny "John" Rochelle, "Papa John", 77, passed away May 25, 2026 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was born August 23, 1948, in Lockney, Texas.

John was well known for his grit, his "tell it like it is" personality and they way he took pride in doing things the right way. He supported his family by working faithfully at KD Farms for 35 years. He loved farming, NASCAR, mowing his yard, and his poodle, Lucy, but he didn't love anything more than his family.

He always carried a pocket knife and a 40 year sobriety chip. Once he made up his mind to do something (or not to), you could count on it. If you didn't know John very well, you may have just seen a man who was tough and stubborn. But, if you were lucky enough to be called his family or his friend, you saw something else, a man who was endlessly loving, boundlessly generous, and fiercely loyal.

John was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Cynthia Rochelle; his wife, Nancy Wylie Rochelle; his father, Vastine "Bob" Rochelle; his mother, Tomie Cheatheam; and his step- father, Carroll Cheatheam.

John's legacy and his spirit will continue to guide us. Those left to mourn his loss and celebrate his memory include his children, daughters, Brandy Rochelle Brantley and Shirley Beggs and husband, Barry; son, Joel Mote; his grandchildren, Kaden Crane, Rylan Crane, Mia Brantley, Braukel Bishop and husband, Cody, Kayle Bourg and husband, Stewart, Austin Beggs Wylie, Brooke Mote, Trevor Mote, and Zane Mote; his great grandchildren, Bladen Bishop, Creedyn Bishop, Hadlie Bourg, Harstin Bourg, Hexley Bourg, and Abram Wylie; siblings, Patsy Boyle, Randy Rochelle, Rita Eubanks, Diane Reid, and Kim Baranski; and his extended family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2026, in the Rosser Funeral Home Chapel.