Dates
John lost his earthly battles following three surgeries, wife Nancy by his side. He arrived at his heavenly home on February 28, 2026. He was 91 years young and the final survivor of eight siblings. John was born January 29, 1935, in Dickens, Texas to John Henry Bilberry and Alpha Delia Sumrall. He lived in San Angelo, Texas for 40 years.
John married his high school sweetheart, Anita Bilberry October 16, 1953. They lived in California, Post, Big Lake, Ft. Stockton, Crane, and San Angelo, TX. Mr. Bilberry spent three years in the Marine Corp. Following his service, he had various places of employment. John enjoyed opportunities as a Roustabout, Pumper, Firestone Driver, Grocery Store Clerk, Draftsman, Football Referee, Fluid Shooter for oil wells, Student of the Scriptures, Cancer Treatment Transporter, Security Guard for Baptist Memorial, Husband, Christ-like, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle and Friend. The highlights of his marriage to Anita were a 50th wedding anniversary to Niagara Falls and a mission trip with Crane FBC to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The list of John’s hobbies is as extensive as his patience is long-suffering. His family never heard him say a bad word. He said, “I know bad words, I just don’t say them!” Next to playing golf, he loved watching it on tv along with every other sport! However, football brought him great joy as a Referee. He was a member of the Texas Officiating Sports Association.
Three daughters were born to this union. Their “eldest daughter” Susan Johnston (Steve) resides in San Angelo, Texas; her children are Matthew T Johnston (Susan Pearlman), Jessica Cartwright (Kevin), Spencer Johnston; Donita Littleford lived in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Her children are Michea Millar and Jeremiah Daniel Haynes. Jeri “Phoebe Ann” Bilberry is also of San Angelo, Texas. Plus eight great grandchildren. Anita passed away in 2016.
John married Nancy Schantz in 2017. She added two Bonus Daughters and their families to the mix. Her daughter Lana Ward (Robert) has a son, Matthew (Erin) Scarborough of Hockley, Texas. Lana’s daughter is Megan Trinidad (Emilio). Daughter Robin Hays (Tim) has children Austin Hays (Hayley), Amber Hays and Addison Hays.
Those family members awaiting John’s homecoming are many. His parents; daughter, Donita Littleford; twin brothers, Lawrence (Tillie) and Luther (Louella) Bilberry; sisters, Greta Cooper (Pete), Jean McDonald (Pinkie), Linda Bach, Joyce Edwards (Waymer), and Nedra Sue Bilberry; Nieces and nephews - John Leslie Preston, Little Bill Bilberry, Levi Cartwright, Chad Cooper, Salena Short, Steve Cooper, Staci Ramos, and James Brent “Shorty” Bilberry.
Those still here to mourn his loss are: Tommy Cooper (Brenda), Jackie Cooper, Richard Cooper (Kerrie), Kathy Sammons (Roger), Kim Emerson (Mike); John Thomas Bilberry (Alice), Sharyn Birchfield (Steve), Larry Bilberry (Anne), Nan Hammack (Britches), Patricia Lambert (Glen); Leslie Wright; Paula Chambers (Rick); Dede Inahara; Sheri Short, Bert Short (Paulette), Sharla Short; Carl Edwards (Cindy), Collin Edwards (Veronica), Chris Edwards (Crystal); and his canine pal, Levi.
A special “THANK YOU” goes to great nephew, Andy Rogers for his provision of the Marine uniform he so graciously brought to be worn today by John.
Nancy and John served the Lord at Veribest Baptist Church in Veribest, Texas. In remembrance of Topper, you may make donations to the Deaf Fellowship of Kansas City, Veribest Baptist Church, or the charity of your choosing. Family would like to say a special “thank you” to John’s doctor, Dr. Justin Jones and Orvie and Elizabeth Jenkins for their unfailing love and support.
The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M., Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Harper Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 2:00 P.M., Friday, March 13, 2026, at Veribest Baptist Church with Pastor David Templin officiating. The Graveside service will be 2:00 P.M., Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Terrace Cemetery in Post, TX.
Family and friends may share condolences and sign the online register book at www.harper-funeralhome.