John Maxim Singleton, 75, of Medina, passed away on June 6th, 2026, peacefully at his home in Medina.
John was born on February 2, 1951, in Lafayette, Louisiana, and was baptized in the Catholic faith at Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist. He spent his earliest years in Lafayette before moving with his family to Baton Rouge, where he attended Broadmoor Elementary, Junior High, and High School.
Even as a young boy, John demonstrated the qualities that would characterize his life. In sixth grade he was recognized as the “Most Courteous Student” at Broadmoor Elementary School. He participated in Baton Rouge D-League baseball and developed lifelong interests in sports, the outdoors, and service. At St. James Episcopal Church, John served as an acolyte and was later confirmed in the Episcopal Church.
Scouting played an important role in his youth. In 1966, John earned the rank of Eagle Scout, one of Scouting’s highest honors. Among his treasured experiences was traveling with his troop to Canada on a canoe expedition. Around the same time, he began accompanying his father on deer hunts, starting a lifelong love of hunting and the outdoors. He also attended LSU football games with his father, creating a passion for football that stayed with him through his love for the Dallas Cowboys.
John graduated from Broadmoor High School in 1969, where he played baseball and enjoyed an active student life. He continued his education at Texas A&M University from 1969 to 1972 as a member of the Corps of Cadets where he met his lifelong friend, Chip Cole. In 1970, he received recognition as “Best Drilled Fish,” an honor awarded to an outstanding freshman cadet. He later transferred to Sam Houston State University, where he competed in NIRA rodeos and qualified for the 1975 CNFR in the saddle bronc riding. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1975 from Sam Houston State University as well.
In 1976, John married D’Ann Crider of Medina, Texas. Together they established their home and ranching life in the Texas Hill Country where they raised their children, Clint Daniel Singleton and Kellie Ann Singleton. John worked for L.D. Brinkman Quarter Horses of Sisterdale during this time where he was in charge of the A.I Breeding Program. In 1980’s he started working for Shelton Ranches where he trained and broke quarter horses, competed in team roping, and worked tirelessly to preserve and promote ranching traditions.
John helped produce summer rodeos in Bandera in the early 1990’s and supplied livestock for local rodeo events. Through “Tauck Tours,” he demonstrated authentic Texas ranching traditions, including team roping, working dogs, horseshoeing, and cowboy cooking around a campfire. John was also a skilled farrier, earning the respect of horse owners across Texas.
John gained the nickname “Big Ranch” from his good friends at the Tejas Vaqueros & Todd Whitewood during his 20+ years of guiding deer hunters on the Southfork Ranch in Hunt Texas and on the King Ranch in south Texas.
In later years, John began managing an equine facility in Boerne, Texas. There he oversaw the care and management of Andalusian, Iberian Sport, and purebred Lusitano horses, combining decades of knowledge with his lifelong passion for exceptional horsemanship
Those who knew him best often described him the same way: John was a man of few words but of deep feeling and emotion. His actions spoke more loudly than words ever could. He loved a good Cajun crawfish boil with his friends Keith & Dale and every rodeo cowboy knew “the light was always on at Big Ranch’s house” if you needed a place to stay the night. Some say he was “just the coolest guy in the room.”
John was preceded in death by his parents, Alex & Rosemary Singleton, and his cousin, Danny Singleton.
Survivors include his partner of 20 years, Kathleen Montague; Son, Clint Singleton & wife Nicole; Daughter, Kellie Singleton Hohertz & husband Wes; Sister, Alexandra Singleton & Don Tischa; Sister, Martha Jane Singleton & husband Philippe Paul; Sister, Anne Kobdish & husband D.D. Kobdish; Sister, Mary Susan Singleton; Grandchildren, Steeley Singleton (8), Miles Hohertz (7), and Wilton Singleton (5).
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday June 16th, 2026, at Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville, with Dee Evans officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Medina Volunteer Fire Department.