HOUSTON-  Touchdown! John Assunto III made it to the Pearly Gates Jan. 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. Born April 14, 1948 to John and Kathleen Assunto, Johnny had a burning passion for all sports at a young age. The corner of School and Lake Street was known to all as the place to learn and play baseball, football, track and field, and basketball. Sports would be the theme of his entire life. At a young, tender age, Johnny began accompanying his Dad to every LSU football game, creating the tradition of the very loud “GEAUX TIGERS” and the famous fight song.

While living in Lake Charles, Johnny touched many lives by serving his community as a football coach to Little League and Oak Park Junior High. His personality was bigger than any room or football field.

Johnny was dedicated to the youth and sport of football, but he was an avid outdoorsman. He was always duck hunting, cleaning ducks, cooking ducks, calling ducks, cleaning his guns, fishing, frog gigging and deer hunting. Our neighbor and great friend, Doc Snatic, mentored him into the art of hunting. John’s living room showed the real world of a hunter and gatherer with many mounts and trophies.

Following the entrepreneurial footsteps of his family, Johnny opened the Men’s Big and Tall clothing store in Longview. He created lifelong friendships in Longview and surrounding communities. He volunteered his time and assets to charities, political service, campaigning, and supporting high school sports.

Johnny’s brothers and sisters (Barbara, Richard, Carmen, and Victor) want to express their sincere appreciation to Oasis Hospice (shout outs to Asad, Susan, Kay, Judy, Hannah and Dr. Latthe), Mickey and Bobbie Jean Smith, Clyde and Tami Willoughby, Caryn and Travis Couch, and special mention to his niece and devoted personal nurse, Natalie Penner.