John Styles
John Styles Obituary
John White Styles
May 14, 1946 - November 18, 2025
John White Styles, aka "The Earl of Weston," peacefully left this earth on November 18, 2025, in Sebastopol, California. Born in Alameda, CA, John's motto was "attitude is everything," and he greeted each day with joy. This philosophy guided all his endeavors. His younger years were marked by leadership and adventure. In high school, he served as Treasurer for the student body and played center on the football team. Afterwards, he rode his chopped Harley, drove a beer truck for Trombetta's Distribution, sales manager at Calistoga mineral water, and bartended at Melendy's, where he loved when the Oakland Raiders came to town. Bringing Jack in the Box to Santa Rosa was a life changing move that began a deep love for Sonoma County, starting the moment he first saw the "Valley of the Moon" sign. On his court, all the neighbors knew him as the fireworks ringleader and the master hider of all Easter eggs. John found great purpose as a Realtor after becoming licensed in 1974. He adored mentoring Realtors, teaching them the importance of integrity and service over simply 'making the sale,' and found fulfillment in serving his clients and managing other advisors. His love for people turned clients into family and colleagues into friends. You would be hard pressed to find John wearing anything other than a suit and tie, except during the holidays, when he beamed with happiness wearing different costumes to celebrate. John was deeply involved in community activities, serving as meet director and announcer at swim meets, but his greatest passion was being a soccer coach. For over 40 years, every girl on the team became like a daughter to him, and he loved every player on the field, regardless of their team. John's love for life was his greatest strength when multiple myeloma cancer came to call. Driven by his powerful will to live, he won many battles. The family is forever grateful for the guidance of his expert advisors, especially Dr. Margaret Gilford, who listened and guided his medical care. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steven Johnson, DO; Oncologist specialists at Kaiser - Dr. Shafqat Akhtar and Stanford - Dr. Web-Kai Weng; and acupuncturist Elisabeth Sherman for their compassionate care. A devoted family man, he cherished his wife Lynn; their 53 years together were a testament to their enduring love. John's legacy lives on through his children: Deena (Mike) Wells of Portland, OR; Christee Styles of Healdsburg, CA; Joley (Carlos) Dones of San Diego, CA; Ryan (Lindsey) Styles of Santa Rosa, CA; and his baby girl, Karli Lacy of Santa Rosa, CA. He was the beloved grandfather of Tessa, Tucker, Holden (Sierra), Trae, Travis, Lucille, Mason, and Emma. In 1993, John and Lynn started TaraSun Animal Rescue Retreat, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to care for abandoned and abused animals. John was the master snuggler, the one who comforted the injured, ill, and fractious rescues. He never once sat back; he was always right there with them. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any memorial donations be made in John's memory to TaraSun Animal Rescue Retreat. In his spirit, let the after party begin. "Just smile and say hi." JWS.
May 14, 1946 - November 18, 2025
John White Styles, aka "The Earl of Weston," peacefully left this earth on November 18, 2025, in Sebastopol, California. Born in Alameda, CA, John's motto was "attitude is everything," and he greeted each day with joy. This philosophy guided all his endeavors. His younger years were marked by leadership and adventure. In high school, he served as Treasurer for the student body and played center on the football team. Afterwards, he rode his chopped Harley, drove a beer truck for Trombetta's Distribution, sales manager at Calistoga mineral water, and bartended at Melendy's, where he loved when the Oakland Raiders came to town. Bringing Jack in the Box to Santa Rosa was a life changing move that began a deep love for Sonoma County, starting the moment he first saw the "Valley of the Moon" sign. On his court, all the neighbors knew him as the fireworks ringleader and the master hider of all Easter eggs. John found great purpose as a Realtor after becoming licensed in 1974. He adored mentoring Realtors, teaching them the importance of integrity and service over simply 'making the sale,' and found fulfillment in serving his clients and managing other advisors. His love for people turned clients into family and colleagues into friends. You would be hard pressed to find John wearing anything other than a suit and tie, except during the holidays, when he beamed with happiness wearing different costumes to celebrate. John was deeply involved in community activities, serving as meet director and announcer at swim meets, but his greatest passion was being a soccer coach. For over 40 years, every girl on the team became like a daughter to him, and he loved every player on the field, regardless of their team. John's love for life was his greatest strength when multiple myeloma cancer came to call. Driven by his powerful will to live, he won many battles. The family is forever grateful for the guidance of his expert advisors, especially Dr. Margaret Gilford, who listened and guided his medical care. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Steven Johnson, DO; Oncologist specialists at Kaiser - Dr. Shafqat Akhtar and Stanford - Dr. Web-Kai Weng; and acupuncturist Elisabeth Sherman for their compassionate care. A devoted family man, he cherished his wife Lynn; their 53 years together were a testament to their enduring love. John's legacy lives on through his children: Deena (Mike) Wells of Portland, OR; Christee Styles of Healdsburg, CA; Joley (Carlos) Dones of San Diego, CA; Ryan (Lindsey) Styles of Santa Rosa, CA; and his baby girl, Karli Lacy of Santa Rosa, CA. He was the beloved grandfather of Tessa, Tucker, Holden (Sierra), Trae, Travis, Lucille, Mason, and Emma. In 1993, John and Lynn started TaraSun Animal Rescue Retreat, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, to care for abandoned and abused animals. John was the master snuggler, the one who comforted the injured, ill, and fractious rescues. He never once sat back; he was always right there with them. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests any memorial donations be made in John's memory to TaraSun Animal Rescue Retreat. In his spirit, let the after party begin. "Just smile and say hi." JWS.
