John Allen Prentice, 79, of San Antonio Texas (formally of Kerrville, Texas) passed away on August 16, 2026. John was born on January 11, 1947, to Alvin Sr. and Ellen Manning Prentice. He grew up in Pasadena Texas where his love of aquatic and marine life first began to develop along Vince Bayou and Galveston Island.

John was never far away from water activities. In his youth, he was a proud member of the South Houston swim team and a Sea Scout. He and his brothers pooled funds for surfboards and ski boats. John was an avid diver, becoming a Dive Master and Instructor, making over 1700 career dives. John’s college years at the University of Houston (undergraduate) and Southwest Texas State University (masters) continued his focus on water by studying the science of fish (ichthyology). After college, John joined the Texas Parks and Wildlife Fisheries Division where he worked as a research biologist improving Texas lakes, rivers, and streams for over 35 years.

Later in life, John learned you could not always be in the water and took up birdwatching both in his backyard and further afield on other continents. John believed in community service and in retirement joined the Texas Master Naturalists, volunteering time at nearby parks and natural areas. He contributed over 4000 hours making our local wild spaces better and improving their infrastructure with his “do-it-yourself” carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and electrical know-how. John loved to travel and no trip was too short or long to spark his interest as he loved travel in Texas, other states, and countries. In his spare time, John enjoyed his dog Kite, the Blanco River, Cuatro G Ranch, photography, camping, cooking, and collecting arrowheads.

John loved his family and is survived by wife Linda, son Jason (Erin), daughter Janelle (Nathan), grandchildren Ethan (Carlie), Ryana, Rory, and Brighton, great-granddaughter Kinsley, and brothers Richard (Eurindia), Stephen (Teri), and Alvin (Patricia). Plus, many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and wife of 30 years, Janet.

A celebration of John’s life will be announced once details are finalized.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in memory of John to one of the following: Friends of Guadalupe River State Park and Honey Creek State Natural Area (https://friendsofgrhc.org/donate/) or Cibolo Center for Conservation (https://www.cibolo.org/cibolo-nature-center/ )