John Armstrong '86
April 29, 2021 3:27 PM
updated: April 29, 2021 3:43 PM
John DeArmon Armstrong
MARCH 7, 1938 – APRIL 26, 2021
Dr. John D. Armstrong was born on March 7, 1938 in Pecos, TX and passed away on April 26, 2021 in Englewood CO. John is survived by his wife Mary B. Armstrong, her 3 children, Richard Kevin Steel, Randal Kirk Steel and Kamela Lea Pancroft '86, and their families,
Victoria, Dylan, and Michael Steel, Stella Steel and Payton Pancroft.
John was a life-long learner and continued to advance his professional education and serve his country over many years of his life. He attended The University of Texas in Austin receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He then entered the United
States Air Force after finishing his undergraduate degree and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. When pursuing his Masters degree, he attended Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, and the culmination of his education was
receiving his Ph.D in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University in 1986.
Dr. Armstrong served his students and community through his career as an educator, school administrator and professor. He taught in the Northside School District in San Antonio as a Math teacher and Coach. He then moved into leadership roles as a Vice Principal
and Principal and finally the, Superintendent of Randolph Air Force Base School District. After “retiring” he continued to teach as a Professor at Our Lady of the Lake University and The University of Texas at San Antonio where he lead the program to prepare
graduates to assume school leadership roles. He continued this work at University of Georgia, Valdosta where he “officially” retired, moving with Mary to Corrales New Mexico to enjoy more of the Southwest.
John’s love for gardening caused him to pursue his Master gardener certification. John and Mary grew beautiful gardens in all of their homes and would sell their produce in various local farmers markets. John also enjoyed cooking his favorite cuisine- Mexican
food. Having grown up in Texas, of course he loved country music, especially George Strait and Brookes and Dunn. He had a dry sense of humor and a pet name for special people in his life. He will be forever remembered for his stubborn, yet loving heart.
Dr. Armstrong will be laid to rest with military honors in a private ceremony at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO on May 4, 2021.
The family prefers donations made in John’s name in lieu of flowers to the following organizations:
Simple Memorial on behalf of John D. Armstrong, ‘86 The Association of Former Students Texas A&M University 505 George Bush Drive College Station, TX 77840 Aggienetwork.com
OR
Alzheimer’s Association In memory of John D. Armstrong www.act.alz.org 225 N. Michigan Ave. Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601 Federal Tax ID #13-3039601