John Waldrop

John Lee Waldrop, beloved husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and lifelong learner, passed away peacefully on October 4th at the age of 88.

John was born on April 19, 1938, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Arvel Gray ("A.G.") Waldrop and Frances Lee Waldrop. He spent his childhood in Meridian, Mississippi, and Birmingham, Alabama, where he developed a lifelong love of science, reading, and learning. A curious and thoughtful child, John was known for his fascination with science fiction, amateur radio, photography, and later, classical music-a passion sparked by his first visit to hear the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra as a student.

John graduated from Ensley High School before enrolling in Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1962. Through Auburn's cooperative education program with Alabama Power, he gained practical engineering experience that would launch a remarkable career.

Following graduation, John fulfilled a dream by joining NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. There he worked with advanced semiconductor technology and scanning electron microscopy during the exciting early years of the American space program. Seeking new opportunities, he later accepted a position with Sperry Flight Systems, relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, where he contributed to the development and production of aerospace and defense systems. In 1982, his career brought his family to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he continued his engineering work and made the city his home for the remainder of his life.

While living in Phoenix, John met the love of his life, Karin. They were married on Valentine's Day in 1969 and built a life together centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion. Together they welcomed two sons, Brian and Mark, who remained the pride and joy of John's life.

As a humanist, he had a deep belief in human potential, empathy, reason, and making the world better without relying on religious frameworks. He loved classical music, technology, photography, travel, and exploring new ideas. Friends and family knew him as a quiet, kind, and curious man.

Throughout his life, John faced significant health challenges with remarkable courage and resilience. His strength, optimism, and analytical mind helped him overcome obstacles that would have discouraged many others. He remained deeply grateful for the life he had, the family he loved, and the opportunities he was given.

John will be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, dry sense of humor, steadfast work ethic, and genuine interest in the world around him. He found joy in learning, solving problems, and sharing stories from his rich and varied life with those he loved.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Karin Waldrop; his sons, Brian Waldrop and Mark Waldrop; daughter in law Jennifer and grandson Matteus; along with extended family, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, generosity, and love.

John's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless lessons he shared. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.