Juan "Johnny" Diego Calzada
September 19, 1958 ~ March 10, 2023
Juan "Johnny" Diego Calzada, and known to many as "JD", of Palestine, Texas, left this Earth on Friday, the 10th day of March 2023, to find everlasting comfort and rest after battling cancer. He was 64 years of age when the Lord called him home. Mr. Calzada was born on the 19th day of September 1958, in Kingsville, Texas to parents Jesus Calzada and Ynes Beccera Calzada.
Mr. Calzada attended Trinity Valley Community College and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palestine, Texas. He was an exceptionally talented musician and adventurer. He had a love for life and a lifelong dream to become an actor. He chased his dreams to pursue an acting career and played different roles as an "extra" for various movies and T.V. shows including Con Air and Walker Texas Ranger. As an actor he was able to travel all over and meet many different people and see interesting places. Mr. Calzada's zest for life and love for his family will be cherished forever by his loving family and countless friends.
Mr. Calzada leaves behind his sons, Jon Adam Calzada and Jesee Calzada; his grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his beloved cats. He is also survived by his sisters Manuela "Nellie" Graham and husband Don, Janie Barbosa and husband Ralph, Vivian Hollingsworth, Margarita Farman and husband Mike; and his brothers, Jessie Calzada and wife Becky, and David Calzada. He is preceded in death by his parents Jesus and Ynes Calzada, and his sisters, Francis Link and Ana Smith, and Niece Julie Graham.
A graveside service to honor Mr. Calzada's life is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning, on Saturday, the 15th day of April 2023 at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Palestine, Texas with Father Jonathan officiating.
Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are Russell Hiatt, Seth Graham, Thomas Maciel, Brian Smith, Jasen Hollingsworth, James Calzada, Levi Link and Michael Moore.
Graveside and cremation services for Juan "Johnny" Diego Calzada are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We invite you to take a moment to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon.
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Johnny Calzada was an outstanding member of the Palestine High School WILDCAT BAND ! I know this 1st hand because I was Johnny’s Band Director back then. He was an excellent and accomplished Trumpet player and all around dependable student. He would never let you or the Band down. Johnny was Superior at sight reading music and that is just the ratings the Wildcat Band received each year at UIL Sight Reading Contests — Johnny led the Wildcat Band to another Superior Band rating ! I hate to hear the loss of the life of my good friend and former student, Johnny Calzada.
Phillip Hatton, PHS Band Dir., Emeritus
Dad I just don’t know what to say. We didn’t have enough time together and that I wish I could take back. I remember when you would pick me up and we would go to Palestine and you would take me to visit the family. I remember we made a karate kid video and showed it to the family. That was back when video camera were a big vhs thing. Or when you showed me how to chop a board in half with my hand. When you tried to get me out of trouble with the law when mom charged me with stealing my own car when u was 12. When you tried to adopt my kids or help with it during my worst of time. I have always loved our time together and even at my lowest you were there out of the blue trying to make things right. I wish I could have known things were not well for you. I had so much to tell you. That I’m a senior in college now a political science major then on to law school. I have missed you and thought of you often. I will always miss you. R.I.P
So many memories
Disney World, Enid Ok, marching contests, football seasons, ensemble contests, shooting baskets at my house, 2:00 am tennis matches, road trips to Tyler, cruising Crockett Rd, just hanging out and talking. What a great time it was in our lives.
Awesome friend!! I miss you!
Fair well my fellow Classmate this was hard to hear but I pray God’s Love and comfort to your beautiful family love you forever!