John Clyde Lovett OBITUARY

John Clyde Lovett OBITUARY

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather,

Great-Grandfather, and Community Pillar.

John Clyde Lovett, a man of unwavering character, deep comion, and enduring love, ed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by the family he cherished above all else. He was 82.

Born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego to John Harold and Lucille Lovett, John was welcomed home to the house his father built–an early symbol of the strong foundation that would define his life. From a young age, John stood out for his athleticism and competitive spirit in sports and academics. He strived for academic excellence all his life! He loved all sports! He was ionate about playing basketball and enjoyed it as a youth all the way through playing in adult leagues at Muni Gym in Balboa Park, San Diego. The thrill of outdoor sports led to many skiing vacations with family and friends. He was also a very competitive golfer (had a scratch handicap) who played junior golf in the San Diego area, and a year of varsity Golf at CAL while beginning grad school. He won multiple Club Championships at Balboa Park in San Diego and Meadow Lake Country Club in Escondido. He competed several years in the California State Amateur Championship in Monterey, California. Baseball was his best sport and greatest love. He was one of the outstanding players in the San Diego area playing every year from 9 years old in Little League through varsity baseball at UC Berkeley where he pitched for four years while earning his B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1965.

In 1966, John married the love of his life, Karleen Ann Kohmescher, at Saint Patrick’s Church in San Diego. Together they built a family rooted in unconditional love, welcoming daughter Kristen Lee in 1967 and son John David in 1968. John furthered his education with an MBA from San Diego State University in 1967.

Following graduation, John began his professional career with Pacific Bell Telephone Company through its prestigious MAP (Management Associate Program), marking the start of a lifelong journey of leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

A man of many talents and boundless energy, John pursued a wide range of ventures. He held a contractor’s license and built spec homes, owned and worked in his foundry in National City, and cultivated 33 acres of eucalyptus trees in Valley Center for floral arrangements. In 1980, he and his wife opened the Golden Egg Omelet House in Escondido, which they proudly operated until his retirement in 2023. The family legacy of the Omelet House continues as his daughter, son-in-law and trusted employees run it.

John’s life was deeply interwoven with his community. He coached youth sports for both his children and grandchildren, always ready with encouragement and wisdom. He was a proud member of the 20-30 Club and a founding member of the Kiwanis Club of Sweetwater and active in it for 50 years. A lifelong volunteer, he mentored countless young people and championed causes like Volunteers of America, was a member of the North County CAL Alumni, and interviewed students for CAL Berkeley scholarships, all reflecting his deep sense of civic responsibility and comion.

He found joy in simple pleasures–dancing, long conversations, thoroughbred horse racing, devoted to Fantasy Sports, family dinners weekly, and late-night prayers for loved ones and strangers alike. His legacy is one of steadfast integrity, kindness, courage, and joyful engagement with life.

John is survived by the “Love of his Life” of 58 years, Karleen; his daughter Kristen Lee and beloved son-in-law Bennett Craker; his son John David (Forever each other’s BEST FRIEND!) and beloved daughter-in-law Michele Lovett; and his treasured grandchildren: Katelyn Joleen Heisinger (and husband Jeff Heisinger), Kortney Taylor Craker, Holly Anne Lovett, and Katy Lee Lovett. His greatest delight in recent years was becoming a great-grandfather to the shining star of the family, Stevie Lee Heisinger.

John Clyde Lovett was a man who lived with heart, purpose, and humility. His memory will forever be cherished by all who were lucky enough to know him.

Forever and ever, a brilliant diamond in the rough. Amen.

Go BEARS!!! “Karleen loves you for Time and Eternity!”

A private burial service will be held with immediate family, honoring John’s quiet strength and enduring devotion to those closest to him. The details of a “Celebration of Life” will be sent out in a few weeks for close family and friends who wish to attend and reminisce about John’s life.