John Carl Harmston, 79, was called home on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

John was born in Logan, Utah, on November 23, 1946, to Fred and Jane Harmston.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Julian and George; his sisters-in-law, Bennie and Gail; his father-in-law, Ernesto; his mother-in-law, Dolores; and his brother-in-law, Carlos.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ernestine; his brother, Brian; his sisters, Mary and Kathy (Paul); his sons, Joshua (Sherri) and Brian; daughters, Sara (Derek), Kate (Dylan), and Amanda (Samuel); his bonus children, Erica (Daron) and Dolores (Michael); his grandchildren, Kyra, Joel, Jane, Violet, Damian, Lincoln, and Weston; along with many other cherished family members and friends.

John graduated from Greeley High School in 1965 before earning his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in Fort Collins in 1969. He continued his education at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, graduating in 1973. John completed a general surgery residency at the University of Colorado in 1976. Drawn by a fascination with orthopedics, he then completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Texas in Dallas in 1980.

John began his orthopedic career at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he practiced for 15 years. He later moved to Española, practicing there for 2 years before settling in Hobbs, New Mexico, where he served patients for the next 19 years. Over a remarkable 36-year career, John dedicated his life to helping others heal.

Throughout his adult life, John had three great loves. First and foremost, he loved God. He was private in his faith and firmly believed that prayer could move the hand of God. Second, John deeply loved his family. As the years passed, he treasured and strengthened those relationships even more. He was immensely proud of each of his children and grandchildren, and his favorite title in life was simply “Grandpa John." Third, John loved the world of orthopedics. It wasn't merely his profession—it was who he was. He retired from orthopedic surgery not once, but twice. The first retirement came in 2013, but after only eight months, he realized he missed caring for his patients and returned to work. In 2018, however, God had a different plan, and John saw his last patient.

John found joy in many areas. He loved music and was known for playing Christmas music in the operating room—beginning in July—because the Christmas season simply wasn't long enough. He cherished the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Whether hunting elk in northern New Mexico, squirrels in his own backyard, or fishing at Green Meadow Lake in Hobbs, Santa Clara Canyon in Northern New Mexico, or Aikens Lake in Canada, John felt most at peace in nature and held a deep respect for mother nature in all her splendor. Gardening was another lifelong passion he inherited from his parents. He knew every plant by name, exactly where it would thrive, and, as his family would tell you, he was always right. His backyard became a masterpiece created largely from clearance racks at Lowe's and Home Depot, affectionately known as the "Garden of Second Chances." Anyone fortunate enough to share a meal with John knew how much he enjoyed good food, savoring every bite as though it were his last.

John was also a devoted sports fan. He was an avid supporter of Hobbs Eagles basketball, a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and a faithful St. Louis Blues hockey fan. He rarely missed a Hobbs Eagles home game, proudly wearing black and gold, and often traveled to cheer them on. He celebrated every Hobbs Eagles state championship with excitement and was absolutely ecstatic to witness the Blues win the Stanley Cup.

John possessed a remarkable mind. He had an extraordinary memory, an endless store of knowledge, and an uncanny ability to recall facts from decades past. Long before search engines existed, family and friends joked that John was "Google" before Google.

It is difficult to find ordinary words to describe such an extraordinary man. John was a devoted husband, an exceptional father, a fun-loving grandfather, a loving son, a wonderful brother, a gifted surgeon, a respected colleague, a knowledgeable mentor, and a loyal friend. He always looked for the good in others and inspired those around him to become their best selves. He lived with integrity, humility, kindness, patience, love, strength, generosity, understanding, and forgiveness. Even as ALS gradually stole his physical abilities, John never once complained.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who walked alongside John throughout his journey with ALS. Special thanks go to Dr. Cyril Simon for his patience, devotion, and friendship; Star Hospice, especially Karla Smith, for exceptional professionalism, kindness, and compassionate care; Kristin McCool, Victoria Zamora, Dr. Don Green, and Andrew Trujillo for faithfully checking in through the years; Bertha Cerna for her loving care; Covenant Hospital for treating John like a rock star; and the Home Infusion Center of Albuquerque for years of outstanding professionalism and meticulous care.

In accordance with John's wishes, there will be no public service. To honor John's lifelong passion for helping others, the family asks that you practice random acts of kindness in his memory.