A 65-year county resident, John graduated from Villanova High School in Ojai. He served in the U.S. Army as a master sergeant from June 1948 until May 1952, receiving the Army Occupational Medal (Japan), Korean Service Medal with one bronze Service Star, and the UN Service Medal.His family owned and operated the Chapek Hardware Store in Santa Paula for 30 years. John started working as a young man with his parents, who founded the store. At the time of his death, he was working for Green Thumb Nursery in Ventura.John enjoyed fishing, woodworking, spending time with his family, model trains and airplanes, and trips to Las Vegas with his wife Emma.He is survived by his wife, Emma Chapek of Santa Paula; mother, Mildred E. Chapek of Santa Paula; sons, Rick Chapek Sr. of Santa Paula and Jeff Chapek of Vida, Oregon; brother, Jim Chapek of Yorba Linda; sister Pat Rex of Carson City, Nevada; 13 grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, John Chapek Sr.Graveside services were held February 24 at the Santa Paula Cemetery.Arrangements under the direction of Pierce Brothers Stetler Mortuary, Santa Paula.