of Cord, AR
August 13, 1957 - November 4, 2020
John Maizonet Pastrana, 63, of Cord passed away November 4, 2020.
He was born August 13, 1957 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Baltazar and Betty (Theis) Pastrana.
John loved all things outdoors, such as his dogs, horses, and other animals, especially his quarter horses. He was of the Episcopal faith and enjoyed woodworking, collecting stamps and coins, fishing, and loved cooking Italian food. John worked in the poultry business since he was 16 years old and managed a poultry company for 25 years. He loved to travel, visiting many countries and living in China for two years. He lived in many places such as Pennsylvania, Caribbean, China, Delaware, Iowa, Alabama, Georgia, and Arkansas.
Survivors include his wife, Diane (Kelley) Pastrana; his mother; two siblings, Tony T. Pastrana of Millersville, Pennsylvania and Tonya Haus (Scott) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; seven children, Juana Pastrana of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Juan Carlos Pastrana (Charity) of Springdale, Arkansas, Jessica Pastrana of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Robert Pastrana (Shadrecka) of Batesville, Arkansas, Rachel Pastrana (Giselle) of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Melissa Pastrana (Dustin) of Collierville, Tennessee, and Caitlin McSpadden (Charlie) of Batesville, Arkansas, and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his father; paternal grandparents, Antonio and Sophia Pastrana, and maternal grandparents, Robert William and Thelma Theis.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 2:00pm at Hopewell Cemetery in Cord, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Independence County Humane Society 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR. 72501, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. 38103, or the American Quarter Horse Association 1600 Quarter Horse Dr., Amarillo, TX. 79168.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks and social distancing will be observed.
I last spoke with John when he was a manager with Townsend In Batesville Arkansas.
Just days ago, I thought I found a way to reconnect with John through another old Weaver employee, Papo Pagan. Instead my new year started with an email from Papo informing me of the sad news. It is with a heavy heart that I give my belated condolences to the family.
I was also 16 when I started working at Weaver's Poultry in New Holland, PA later to become Holly Farms and ultimately Tyson Foods. I remember John as a young fisherman, chomping at the bit, to head to warm water discharge after work for some night fishing. One night out late, John was in his van and spotted a deer and turned his van to better see the deer in the headlights. He was pulled over by a game warden, and fined for illegal spotting. We made jokes at work on how lucky the game warden was that John was a humble man of restraint.
John and I were production supervisors together, Shortly after Tyson took over, a group of supervisors were sent to a plant in Arkansas and worked on the line to learn 'cone de-boning'. John and I were part of the group. It was there that I ate catfish there for the first time. Looking back, it may well be the catfish that drew John back to Arkansas. Ironically, I started fishing last summer for the first time in 28 years. The only significant fish I caught were 4 catfish. I guess I need to find that warm water discharge!
All I can say is WOW!, when I read the comments and learn of John's accomplishments. I am deeply saddened and regret not finding a way to get in touch with John sooner. Job well done my friend, you left way too soon, but you've given us all something to strive for.
I was saddened to hear of John's passing. He became a dear friend just a few years ago while working together in Charles City, Iowa on a poultry project. Our relationship continued as we discussed other opportunities. John was a kind man and a professional in every aspect. I appreciate the confidence he bestowed in me, and the relationship we developed. May he rest in peace, and the family cherish his memories.
I had the privilege of knowing John for many years. He treated everyone with the utmost respect and made a lasting impression on many. He will be missed dearly. My heart goes out to the family, friends, and everyone he has touched along the way.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
听到John离世的消息是那么的不敢相信,我一直以为John已经康复,不久就会回到我们的身边,却不想得到这么一个噩耗。
John是我们工厂的老板,虽然John不直接领导我,但是从John的身上,无论是做人还是做事,让我学到很多,我一直深深感激John对EHS工作的坚定支持,也佩服John的优雅、从容、正直、善良。。。
永远怀念
May you in heaven there is no pain, no cold, only happy. We love you forever!
I am so very sorry for your loss Diane and the entire Pastrana family. He mentored me in this business. Hands down the best boss I ever had. I will always treasure the stories, laughs and tears that I was blessed to share with John.
Diane, You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
God speed John. RIP
No words will bring you comfort at this time, but please know I am praying for comfort and peace for the days and years to come. John had one of the biggest hearts around! Always made sure I had plenty of wood for the winter. Love and Light!
I met John and Diane in 2002 when I joined Townsend Poultry. We started as business associates and became close friends. John was a smart tireless worker as well as a loyal friend. We shared many personal and business successes over the years. All of us who knew him have suffered a significant loss Rest In Peace my friend
John was manager at Townsend while I was manager at Con Agra Processing Plant. We had lunch together several times and he was always willing to help with mechanical parts if ours lines were broke down. I had a lot of respect for John and was proud to call him a friend.
It's been a great pleasure to work with you. God Bless. RIP
“Hi John! How are you!”. I supposed to say this sentence to you when you came back to China.
I still remember the first time we met in Rushan. Me, Donna and Alice traveled to Rushan to provide the legal training. We talked about our family and our work. I am always looking forward to seeing you again.
You are such a humble, diligent and nice guy. People in our Rushan team missed you so much. May you rest in peace.
Best regards,
Yuanyuan
I came to the company after graduated from university, JP interviewed me, then I got the job, although I just graduated from college, but JP very patience to teach me all, he gave me a lot of projects, I also learned a lot from him, and every time he back to the United States take a lot of clothes for me, because he knew that big size of clothes in China is not easy to buy, he is my teacher, is my boss, and more like my grandpa.May he rest in peace-JP's grandson
May there be no sickness in heaven
I worked for Townsends in North Carolina and remember John’s wonderful personality. It was a joy knowing John even though our visits together were short. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
Prayers for Diane and family. John was a good man and loved life. He will be missed by all.
I worked with John at Townsends in Batesville for several years. He was a fine man and a good person. My deepest sympathy for your loss. May the Good Lord watch over you and your family.
Deepest sympathy and prayers for the Pastrana family through this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Diane and family.. I’m so sorry for the loss of John. He was a very kind and precious cousin who will never be forgotten. He always made me laugh, he loved life. The memories of trips to Delaware and Georgia, talking of travel and horses. I last talked to John on his birthday,
I’ll never forget him. Rest In Peace, Love you, Darlene
Diane and Pastrana family my condolences for your loss!
I still can’t believe that my brother has passed. I’m still in shock. He will truly be missed.
John and I were more then just friends; we were brothers. We had a friendship of over 40 years. We always had great conversations which I will dearly miss. Which I will treasure in my heart forever.
I love you brother! I will never forget you. Until I see you again. Papo
My deep condolence to John's family.
John and I worked in different functions in different cities with Otto & Sons in China, and there were some occasions we met together. I remember we represented the company to attend a government meeting in Qingdao a year ago when I had the chance to get to know him more.
John has always been held in high esteem, and his admirable character, principles, leadership and expertise will be missed by colleagues and friends here.
So shocked to hear this today. Sorry for all his family.
John wasn't just a friend, but a true brother in every sense of the word. We shared many ups and downs, cheers and sorrows - both professionally and in our private lives. I will never forget my friend. He is part of me and always will be. We always hated good-byes, saying only that we'd see each other soon. Stay strong with the bright memories he has given us all.
My prayers are with John's family.
I worked at Townsend for John, although he made it feel as if it was together. He was kind and helpful. The vast amount of knowledge he had, he wanted to share with everyone. He was a great leader and boss.
We miss you much.You we're a great brother and brother in law.with love Scott and Tonya Haus.
John was a very talented man. I worked with him for several years and he could make us laugh. He was always very respectful. The family and his wife have my condolences.
To my son whom I love and miss very much. Mom
Prayers, love and hugs during this difficult time.
Sorry for the loss of Hihn he was a great man I worked with him for many years in different facilities could not ask for a better man to work with. Truly saddened me hear hear of his passing.
Me, Danae & A’mor love you so much Papa ❤️
Diane
So sorry for your loss. Out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marsha and family
I’m still mind boggled on the fact that your gone, you were literally a superhero to me. Growing up all I wanted to be was like my papal a strong, intelligent, giving man. You really set the standards on how a father and grandfather should be, I hope I’m half of the man you were. May your soul Rest In Peace, I love you papal and you’ll never be forgotten.
I'm so sorry for your lost, I was devastated to hear of his passing, my regret was I didn't see him while he was here at home recently. I have known John for many years through work and horses. He was a good friend. John treated everyone with respect and would help anyone. He had a good heart. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you Diane and all his family.
JP is a pragmatic and diligent person who loves life and everything he comes into contact with. He is kind and loving. We are very sad to lose such a friend. But everything about him is worth remembering. Let's pray for JP's family to be away from grief as soon as possible. Amen.
John has been a wonderful mentor to me and all of my family will miss him dearly. He has a very special place in our hearts and we will always remember his kindness to other people. He was a manager of poultry operations yes, but it was his caring for all of the people who worked at those plants that made him special.
To Diane and John's entire family,
It is with deepest heartache that I mourn with you.
I had the privilege of working with John when he came to work us in Rushan, China in Jun 2018. Initially John was in charge of Live Ops but as a result of John’s passion for the industry, work ethic and experience and ability to quickly gain the respect of the China team, it was clear that he was the best person to take over as the Rushan General Manager in Nov 2018. As I have gotten to know John over the years, my appreciation and respect for his character and capability has only deepened. He was generous in sharing his knowledge and experience to show us all on how to be better managers and leaders. He will be missed not only by the OSI team but by all those who had the privilege of working with him and became his friend. We can take some solace in the fact that John lived a life full of incredible stories that he loved to tell to evoke a laugh.
Today, we lost one of the good ones.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for letting John spend a few precious years with us. He will truly be missed.
Sincerely,
Brent Afman
pray
God bless