John D. Ensley

John was born in Turlock, CA on June 26, 1943 to Alva and Willa Dean (Mayhugh) Ensley. He passed peacefully at the age of 80 with loved ones nearby in the home that he loved. John attended many schools in his early years as the family moved often from Turlock, Stockton, Colorado, and the La Grange area. They settled in Turlock when he was in the third grade. He graduated from Turlock High School in 1962. John met Jennifer McKinsey in November of 1965 and they were married in September of 1966. Their first child, Sherri, was born in 1967 and son, John (Johnnie), was born in 1969. He was very proud of both of them and so happy for the lives they have made for themselves. John loved outdoor adventures and participated in spelunking (cave exploring) with his brother, motorcycles-dirty biking with buddies and road riding his Harley with Jennie, boating, hunting, target shooting, driving dune buggies in Pismo and ATV riding in Yuma and the dunes of Glamis. He also loved old Western movies and ‘50’s rock music. John was a Formica fabricator, a job estimator for a Formica shop and also worked for a time as a welder. He was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Turlock in the late 60’s/early 70’s and he was the photographer for one year for Modesto Harley Owners Group. He made many friends in all of his activities. He was an accomplished carpenter and mechanic. John was quite skilled at building or fixing most anything. Always a perfectionist, he did things right and they always looked and worked great! He was as innovative as McGyver. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jennifer (McKinsey) Ensley; daughter, Sherri Mitchell (Jeff) Napa, CA; son, John Ensley (Lindi) Glenn Heights, TX. Grandchildren, Meghan Paananen (Troy), Olympia, WA; Joshua Ensley (Caitlin), Midlothian, TX; Taylor Tietjen (Jack) Glenn Heights, TX. Great-grandchildren, Otto and Konrad Paananen and Roland and Sofia Tietjen. Mother-in-law, Nora McKinsey; sister-in-law, Terri Bradford (Ken); nephews, Richard Ensley (Carol) and Nathan Bradford (Stormy); nieces, Elizabeth Bradford and Amber Pecsek (Sam). He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Willa Dean Ensley; two great-grandchildren, Nova and Odin Paananen; brother, Ronald; niece, Kimberly Ensley; and father-in-law, Gale McKinsey. We want to thank Prime Care Hospice and our wonderful Hospice nurses Holly, Ryan and Suki and home health aides Yennie and Jessica for their kind, thoughtful care. It meant more than we can ever express. A brief, private family graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd at 11:30 a.m. The family invites friends and neighbors to join them in a Celebration of Life at 12:00 p.m. in the Turlock Funeral Home Reception Room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice or your favorite charity.

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John D. Ensley

June 26, 1943 - March 2, 2024