JOHN MILLER PUTMAN

John Miller Putman was born in Bakersfield, California to Glen W. Jr. and Cathryn Putman, on July 20, 1945, and passed away with his family at his side on June 3, 2023, at Keck Hospital of USC, Los Angeles, California.

John’s early years were spent in Shafter, California, where he attended elementary and high school, a place that was a warm spot in his heart.  At the age of nine his next door neighbor introduced him to flying, which helped spark a life-long passion for aviation.  He especially treasured the friendships formed through skydiving, Unlimited Air Racing and the love of War Birds.

At forty-two years of age, John married the love of his life, Mary Ann Etcheverry, and they were blessed with two sons, John Jr. and Andrew.  John and his sons formed an inseparable trio, a bond not easily broken.

 John spent over three decades with KW Plastics of California and was exceedingly grateful for the opportunity afforded him by Mr. Wiley Sanders and Mr. Kenny Campbell to be a part of their organization.

In addition to his passion as an aviation enthusiast and his dedication to his occupation, John was a quiet, unassuming man of many interests which included appreciation and knowledge of classical music.  He loved his quiet time with his dog, Duke, daily crossword puzzles and watching Jeopardy.  Those who knew John referred to him as a “gentleman”.

John is survived by his wife Mary Ann, with whom he would have celebrated their thirty-sixth wedding anniversary on June 6 of this year, his sons John Jr. and Andrew, sister-in-law Kathy Putman, nephew Scott (Cara) Putman, brother-in-law, Mike (Laura) Etcheverry and several nieces and nephews.  John was fond of saying, “I had few relatives until marrying Mary Ann, and then I became related to half of Bakersfield”.  John was preceded in death by his father, Glen II, mother, Cathryn, brother, Glen III, and his dear friends Steve Fowler, Joe Ferguson and Rod Knittle.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bakersfield, California, on Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.  A private interment will take place at Shafter Memorial Park in Shafter, California.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of preference.