Johnny Francico Montez

John Montez, 68, passed away on Saturday May 23d, 2026. He/survived by his daughter Nancy Payton and his two sons: Johnny Montez and Nathan Thomas; and grandkids: Mikayla Harrigan, Micah Payton, Allyssa Montez, Jayden Payton, Atlas Montez, Aliza Montez, Azriel Montez and David Lopez. John was a God-fearing man, served the Lord with all his heart, gave his all to the church, to spread the word of God. To touch as many souls as possible. Even before he was a man of God. He was always self-sacrificing man, even from a young age. As a teenager he gave up on school, to work in the fields to help provide for the family. He was a hard worker. From spending all day in the fields, to coming home and helping taking care of his brothers and sisters. He grew up working demanding jobs to take care of his family. From Semi truck heavy hauling, plumbing, electrician, and construction. Building his own house for his wife and kids. Any free time he had left, you would find him building things and working on boats. He would try to spend time fishing, which he loved to do, to get out into the water with friends and family. As he drove concrete trucks, God had different plan for him and gave him direction toward the church. First just a member of the church. Til he taught himself to read. He read the word of God, and felt it in his Soul. He went from a Sunday church attendee, to learning to read the Bible, feeling the Word of God. To becoming a Preacher. God called upon him to serve, and John answered that call. By serving over 30 years of faithful service. He spent three decades of spiritual leadership, from 25 years leading London FPC church, majority of his last year lifting Parlier, Centro de Vida Church, spreading the Word at countless conventions and guest speaking. Called upon him to take his hard-working hands and self-sacrificing nature to spread the Word of God. Helping anyone who called him. Spending his first Friday every month on food give away, and food delivery to who could not attend. Use his own hands to build up the Church, literally the physical building, and spiritually. Spreading majority of his life with the Church, spreading the Word any way possible. John was a firm believer in the power of prayer. His faith was so unwavering that he once prayed over a baby who had passed, believing God for restoration of life and by the grace and mercy of God, that child lived. Today, that young man stands as a testimony to the faith his Pastor carried in his heart and the healing power he believed in so deeply. John's faith could truly move mountains. Everywhere he went, he carried hope, encouragement, and the assurance that with God, all things are possible. His words were often, 'I believe it,' and he lived those words daily through his compassion, prayer, and steadfast trust in the Lord. There are so many wonderful things that can be said about John, but above all, he was a man of faith, love, and devotion to God and to others. Today, we are reminded of the words found in 2 Timothy 4:7-8: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness." He passed peacefully in the hospital, in a restful sleep, surrounded by the prayers, love, and presence of cherished family and friends. He entered into glory embraced by those who loved him dearly. Funeral services will be held 10am Monday, June 8th, 2026 at Calvary Apostolic Church, 1013 N. Alta Avenue, Dinuba, with burial to follow 1pm at Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Johnny Francico Montez

August 21, 1957 - May 23, 2026