John Schlebach, of Ennis, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on April 4, 2023, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

John was born on November 17, 1949 to John Joseph Schlebach and Clara Rose Schlebach in Terrell, Texas. John graduated from Spruce High School in May of 1968, and in November John married his high school sweetheart Violetta Kay Barfield.

He went on to join the U.S. Army in May of 1969, in which he served proudly for 30 years. In 1988, he was selected to attend, and graduated from the prestigious Sergeant Major Academy at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas. He was next promoted to the highest enlisted Army rank in 1989 of Command Sergeant Major. John was responsible for the leadership of all enlisted medical personnel and for providing the operational direction and success of multiple military hospitals.  He ceremoniously retired after a 30-year military career with honors in 1999.

John and Kay were married for over 54 years went on to have two children, "Little" John Paul Schlebach Jr. and Tammy Kay Pritchett, who is married to Andrew Pritchett. John is also survived by his grandchildren, Logan Curran Pritchett and Madeline Norah Pritchett, who both brought him so much joy, pride, and laughter.

John, the youngest of four siblings, was preceded in death by his parents John Joseph and Clara Rose Schlebach, brother Joseph Schlebach, and is survived by his sisters, Laura Bolcik and JoAnn Markham.

On April 10, J.E. Keever Mortuary at 408 N. Dallas St., Ennis, Texas will hold visitation and rosary services at 10 am with funeral services at 11 am. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery at 300 S. Jeter Dr., Ennis, Texas.

Submitted by family