John R. Stahl

John R. “Johnny” or “JR” Stahl, of Stockdale, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2026. Johnny was a devoted husband, loving father, proud Gramps, dedicated educator, and beloved member of his community.

Johnny was born in Seguin, Texas, and raised in Denhawken, Texas. He graduated from Stockdale High School before attending Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, where he earned his degree in elementary education. He later continued his education at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), earning his master’s degree and principal’s certification.

In August of 1973, Johnny began what would become a lifelong passion for education when he joined Judson Independent School District at Live Oak Elementary, which was later renamed to Ed Franz Elementary in honor of his fellow friend and educator. He spent 28 years there serving as both a teacher and administrator, leaving a lasting impression on generations of students, fellow educators, and families. He spent one final year helping open a new elementary school within Judson ISD before retiring from the district.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Johnny. He took on a variety of roles, from working at the local bank to selling cars, but perhaps his favorite was returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher in Stockdale. There, he was beloved by students and staff alike. His genuine love for children, warm personality, and dedication to education made him a familiar and treasured presence in the halls of Stockdale schools.

Johnny’s dedication to his hometown extended far beyond the classroom. A true pillar of the Stockdale community, he served on the Stockdale ISD School Board for 17 years, including time as board president. He also served on the Stockdale Chamber of Commerce Board, where he held the position of president, and as an administrator of the Stockdale Economic Development Corporation. His commitment to public service even led him to serve as mayor of Stockdale. Whether through education, leadership, or simply lending a helping hand, Johnny believed in giving back to the community he proudly called home.

Johnny found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He was known for baking pies for his teachers and grandchildren, tending to his garden, growing roses for Patty, fishing with his buddies, creating crafts with his grandchildren, and spending time shelling pecans or just sitting on the carport.

Johnny is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia “Patty” J. Stahl; his three children, Julie and her husband, Dustin; Brian and his wife, Heather; and Amanda and her husband, Greg; and his eight grandchildren, Wyatt, Ethan, Wyatt Oliver, Arleigh, Aubree, Brooke, Landree, and Dutch. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard “Dickie” Stahl and his wife, Patsy, and Ray Stahl and his wife, Caroline; brothers-in-law, Kelly Pope and Joe Pope; sister-in-law, Shelly Williams; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Gwendolyn “Hope” Stahl, and his mother-in-law, Arlys Pope.

A Celebration of Life honoring Johnny will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Stockdale Methodist Church in Stockdale, Texas. The family will begin receiving friends and loved ones at 9:00 a.m. for those wishing to offer condolences and share memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Stockdale Christ Methodist Church or Stockdale Ex-Students Association.