John Steven Whetsell, born July 12, 1952, and raised in San Angelo, Texas, passed away at his home in Telluride, Colorado, on August 19, 2026.

John is survived by his wife of 32 years, Denise Traylor; his son, Alexander Whetsell, of Telluride, Colorado; his daughter, Sarah Whetsell Campbell ( husband, Mike, and grandson, William) of Austin, Texas; his brother Jim (Pati) Whetsell of Kerrville, Texas, nephew Travis ( wife Jess and children Cassidy and Austin) of Atlanta.

John spent much of his career in Houston, working in banking. In the 1990s, he turned his attention to something that suited him particularly well: home building. Together with his wife, Denise, he founded Potomac Custom Builders, where he found work that brought together many of the things he loved—solving problems, figuring out how things worked and people. Many now have the home of their dreams because of John.

John loved being on a job site and had enormous respect for the people he worked alongside. Many of those relationships extended well beyond the work itself. He was generous with people and was always willing to help someone who needed it.

That generosity was matched by an unwavering sense of honesty and fairness – a high standard that was not something he talked about or expected recognition for. It was simply how he lived and he expected the same from others.

John was endlessly curious. Knowing how to use something was rarely enough; he wanted to understand how it worked. A computer was as likely to be found disassembled on the floor as sitting on his desk because there was always something to repair, improve, upgrade, or simply figure out. He loved technology, read constantly, and never stopped wanting to learn. That curiosity also gave him an ability to connect with people. He was genuinely interested in what they knew and what he could learn from them.

And then there was John’s wonderfully dry sense of humor. His observations were often delivered so quietly and matter-of-factly that it could take a moment to realize just how funny he was. He never needed to be the center of attention, but those who knew him well learned to listen closely.

Listening to music was one of the great constants of John’s life. His love of rock and roll began when he was young, followed by enough concerts over the years that he liked to blame them for at least some of his hearing loss. After moving to Telluride, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival became a tradition and he enjoyed exploring new music, never turning down an invite to a concert.

Golf was another enduring love and the source of many friendships. Fittingly, just days before his death, John and Denise returned from a spectacular trip through Ireland and Scotland, golfing their way through both countries and spending evenings in pubs listening to live music. It brought together so much of what John loved—golf, music, travel, new experiences, and time with Denise. It was a wonderful final adventure.

More than anything, John will be remembered for the way he moved through the world: with integrity, generosity, curiosity, a very dry sense of humor, and kindness. John was unassuming, never wanting attention put on him but rather putting the focus on others successes and contributions. Always observing, never judging John was an exceptional listener and role model for his son Alex. They talked often, and he was the joy of John’s life. His loyalty , respect and devotion to his wife Denise permeated every moment of his life. They were best friends. He will be missed by all his friends and family.