John Kothmann

John Howard Kothmann of Junction, Texas, passed away at 77 years of age on January 18, 2020, in Fredericksburg, Texas, with his family by his side. Born on October 6, 1942, in Brady, Texas, to Howard Harris Kothmann and Mabel Perkins Kothmann, John spent his early years on the family ranch in Kimble County. Here he learned ranching, fostered his creativity, and established a lifelong pursuit of learning and leadership. He enjoyed being the older brother of sisters Amelia Louise Kothmann and Marlene Harris Kothmann.

John was involved in multiple activities throughout his childhood, most notably attaining Eagle Scout rank in 1957. After graduating from Junction High School in 1961, his education continued at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in 1965. His time at Baylor brought a sense of purpose and lifelong friendships. John and his wife, Rebekah Ruth Cameron of San Antonio, Texas, (m. 1966 - 1978) moved to Kimble County to live and work on the ranch while starting a family; John James Kothmann was born on May 16, 1968, and Kevin Cameron Kothmann was born on April 4, 1970.

The next chapter of John’s life was led by inspiration and a desire to positively impact the lives of others. Working a government job in Junction enabled him to initiate the Head Start program and Meals on Wheels program, both of which operate to this day. He built and managed the first franchised campground (KOA) between San Antonio, Texas, and El Paso, Texas. John served as a member of the Junction School Board for nine years, five of which as President. He was actively involved with the First Baptist Church youth group and earned a Master’s degree in 1985 from Texas Tech University at Junction. In 1989, John sold KOA and moved back to the ranch. His only grandchild, Kristin Lynn Kothmann, was born on August 1, 1990.

With a new life phase underway, John chose to enrich his life through travel and focus on refurbishing the ranch. The opportunity to incorporate nature tourism into the ranch business surfaced in the 2000s, thus providing a new perspective and direction. John took much pride in all his family had worked for and was honored to receive the Family Land Heritage Award from the Texas Department of Agriculture in 2010 for 100 years of continuous operations. His knowledge and creativity were further developed as a member of the Junction City Council Tourism Board. John had the joy of welcoming his first great grandchild, Annelin Maria Towfighi, into the family on June 29, 2018.

Those preceding John in death include: (father) Howard Harris Kothmann, (mother) Mabel Perkins Kothmann, and (sister) Amelia Louise Kothmann. Living survivors include: (sister) Marlene Kothmann Jones of Junction, Texas, (son) John James Kothmann of Junction, Texas, (son) Kevin Cameron Kothmann of Junction, Texas, (grandchild and spouse) Kristin Lynn Kothmann Towfighi and Afshawn Michael Towfighi of Florida, (great grandchild) Annelin Maria Towfighi of Florida, (niece and spouse) Caral Louise Starratt Johnson and Ned Johnson of Fort Worth, Texas, (nephew) Brian Alan Jones of Junction, Texas, (niece and spouse) Lauren Elizabeth Jones Russell and Joe Michael Russell II of Belton, Texas, and (great nephew) Cole Alan Russell of Belton, Texas.

John’s family extends sincere gratitude to all for their support and outreach during this time. His wish for remembrance is that it be done with authenticity, that it is more important to seek a spiritual experience than to simply exercise a ceremony. A date will be set for this small service at a later time. Those desiring to make financial memorials may donate to world hunger through www.worldvision.org.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kimble Funeral Home.  (325) 446-3076