John Mark Molleston
FEBRUARY 10, 1950 – OCTOBER 25, 2023
John Molleston was born in Bellingham, WA. Son of an Air Force officer, he grew up around the world, to include the Pacific Northwest, the Philippines, California, Nebraska and Texas. He also visited family in Germany for two summers while attending college in Texas.
John was a proud Ro-Hawk and graduate of Randolph High School on Randolph Air Force Base, TX. He excelled in athletics (tennis and track) and academics. He was awarded a scholarship by the Randolph Officers Wives Club and attended the University of Texas at Austin. Music, film and history were his passions. He often shared that he was lucky to have been born at a time that he could truly appreciate a period he described as the “golden age” of film and music. He could experience nuance in music and film not always accessible to others. He had a ringside seat to the birth of the live music scene in Austin and had many great stories from the Armadillo World Headquarters and beyond.
John’s passion for history was a perfect fit for his career in the archives of the Land Office of the State of Texas. He was a specialist in research and documents, handling priceless pieces of Texas history signed by the likes of Sam Houston, Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and more. He helped countless customers of the Land Office across decades, ranging from every-day, armchair historians, to writers and filmmakers.
John loved Austin – its people, history, rhythms and unique vibe. He was a regular hiker at its many parks and a swimmer at Deep Eddy. Nature gave John great peace and serenity. He was an annual visitor to good friends in Moab, UT for many years, joining them in mountain biking and hiking in the high desert.
John was at the side of his parents after they moved into Esplanade Gardens, an assisted living community in San Antonio. He became a beloved member of the “team”, supporting loving and compassionate care to Reid and Dorothy. His weekly presence contributed greatly to their joy and happiness during their final years.
John will be missed by many. His friendships run long and wide, many extending back to high school, and expanding to include co-workers, neighbors, and the team at Esplanade Gardens. He was a kind, gentle and generous soul. A man of few words, but with deep emotion and empathy for others.
Family and friends would like to express deep gratitude to Austin Hospice and Brookdale Skilled Nursing – Lakeway for their extraordinary attention to John’s needs as his health declined. They are truly special people. The family would also like to thank friends and neighbors who helped him to live safely and happily in his home of 20+ years until his move to Brookdale.
John is survived by two sisters: Linda McKinney, of Edwards, CO and Julie Molleston, of Pasadena, CA.
LINDA MOLLESTON MCKINNEY, lindamckinne@gmail.com
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