John Lawrence Rous

John Lawrence Rous March 9, 1939 - November 14, 2017

John Rous was born on March 9, 1939 at Frelse's Maternity Home in Bakersfield Ca. His parents were Lillian and Edward Rous. He was the youngest of four boys and had two younger sisters. He lived all of his life within a five mile radius of his childhood home on LaFrance Drive. He attended Roosevelt School and Golden State Jr. High. In 1957 he graduated from Bakersfield High School. Over the next few years he graduated from Bakersfield College, joined the USMC Reserve and began his career in the life insurance field. In 1961 he met Stella Grano on a blind date-they bonded over a love of baseball. They were married in 1963 at Wesley United Methodist Church, a place that became a constant in their lives. The church challenged and shaped John to become more inclusive and accepting, kinder and more thoughtful. John made his living in the life insurance business and his professional accomplishments included serving as president of the Bakersfield Life Underwriters and becoming a CLU member. He loved and spoiled his wife Stella and adored his children and grandchildren. Many of his friends were from his childhood. This past September he celebrated his 60th BHS class reunion.

Over the years his circle of friends expanded to include church family, neighbors and those who shared his passions and interests. These friends were together through good and challenging seasons. From childhood, he was a New York Yankee fan, a follower of the Boston Celtics and an Indy Car devotee. He enjoyed yard work, hunting and road trips with Stella. He was a lifelong Democrat. He and friends formed the Bakersfield Track Club and later the iconic Thanksgiving Pie Run. John was a Bakersfield endurance pioneer. He ran his first marathon in 1974 and seventy more over the next 40 years. John took up cycling in order to participate In the Bakersfield Triathlon, and over the next few years he would enter either solo, or as a team member with his children. In later years the bike became his primary athletic pursuit. He took cycling trips with his friends, including a two week trek covering the western coast from Canada to Mexico.

John is survived by his wife Stella. Children John Stephen, David Lawrence (Jennifer) and Elizabeth Rous Fariss; Grandchildren Stephen, Natalie, Lily Rous; Parker, Charles and Caroline Rous; Jeffrey and Anthony Fariss. His birth family included brothers Ed (Raberta), Bill, Bob and sisters Teri (Gary) Champ and Geri Congdon. He has many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Ramona Tripp Rous and Gerald Congdon. Services to be held at Wesley Church, corner of Niles and Oswell, Tuesday November 28th at 2:00. You may come early to enjoy a time of music and reflection. Cyclists may want to place their helmet at the altar rail, runners may don running shoes. Reception following in Church Social Hall. An additional reception will follow at the home of Linette and Tim Holliday, 1919 Morning Rose Drive 93312. Donations may be made to Bakersfield Burrito Project, Epilepsy Society of Kern County, Wesley United Methodist Church or Bike Bakersfield.

John Lawrence Rous
March 9, 1939 - November 14, 2017

John Rous was born on March 9, 1939 at Frelse's Maternity Home in Bakersfield Ca. His parents were Lillian and Edward Rous. He was the youngest of four boys and had two younger sisters. He lived all of his life within a five mile radius of his childhood home on LaFrance Drive. He attended Roosevelt School and Golden State Jr. High. In 1957 he graduated from Bakersfield High School. Over the next few years he graduated from Bakersfield College, joined the USMC Reserve and began his career in the life insurance field. In 1961 he met Stella Grano on a blind date-they bonded over a love of baseball. They were married in 1963 at Wesley United Methodist Church, a place that became a constant in their lives. The church challenged and shaped John to become more inclusive and accepting, kinder and more thoughtful. John made his living in the life insurance business and his professional accomplishments included serving as president of the Bakersfield Life Underwriters and becoming a CLU member. He loved and spoiled his wife Stella and adored his children and grandchildren. Many of his friends were from his childhood. This past September he celebrated his 60th BHS class reunion.

Over the years his circle of friends expanded to include church family, neighbors and those who shared his passions and interests. These friends were together through good and challenging seasons. From childhood, he was a New York Yankee fan, a follower of the Boston Celtics and an Indy Car devotee. He enjoyed yard work, hunting and road trips with Stella. He was a lifelong Democrat. He and friends formed the Bakersfield Track Club and later the iconic Thanksgiving Pie Run. John was a Bakersfield endurance pioneer. He ran his first marathon in 1974 and seventy more over the next 40 years. John took up cycling in order to participate In the Bakersfield Triathlon, and over the next few years he would enter either solo, or as a team member with his children. In later years the bike became his primary athletic pursuit. He took cycling trips with his friends, including a two week trek covering the western coast from Canada to Mexico.

John is survived by his wife Stella. Children John Stephen, David Lawrence (Jennifer) and Elizabeth Rous Fariss; Grandchildren Stephen, Natalie, Lily Rous; Parker, Charles and Caroline Rous; Jeffrey and Anthony Fariss. His birth family included brothers Ed (Raberta), Bill, Bob and sisters Teri (Gary) Champ and Geri Congdon. He has many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by Ramona Tripp Rous and Gerald Congdon. Services to be held at Wesley Church, corner of Niles and Oswell, Tuesday November 28th at 2:00. You may come early to enjoy a time of music and reflection. Cyclists may want to place their helmet at the altar rail, runners may don running shoes. Reception following in Church Social Hall. An additional reception will follow at the home of Linette and Tim Holliday, 1919 Morning Rose Drive 93312. Donations may be made to Bakersfield Burrito Project, Epilepsy Society of Kern County, Wesley United Methodist Church or Bike Bakersfield.