Dr. John Mack Wambo MD, 83, of Panama City, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, June 26, 2020. He was born on May 15, 1937 at Reid Memorial Hospital in Richmond, IN to Herman Cecil Wambo and Vera Emma Catherine Wambo, who preceded him in death.
Dr. Wambo graduated from Centerville High School as valedictorian and was the first graduate from there to attend college. He was accepted into the Pre-Med program at Indiana University. After graduation, he directly entered medical school -also at Indiana University. Upon earning his medical degree, he entered the U.S. Navy as an enlisted officer serving as ship’s doctor on the USS Agerholm during the Vietnam Era. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal while serving the in the U.S. Navy. After Vietnam War he went on to specialize in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
At the completion of his internship in San Diego, CA, Dr. Wambo moved back to his hometown of Richmond to raise his family. He did so and practiced as an OB/GYN physician until 1983 at which time he and his family moved to Panama City so that he could enjoy boating, which was his passion outside of his work and family. He worked with his former Indiana University friend, Dr. Steven Smith until he went into private practice in 1986. Dr. Wambo practiced medicine in Panama City until he retired. He also served as Chief of Staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Bay County, FL during the last part of his medical career.
Dr. Wambo was a loved and respected member of both Wayne Co. IN and Bay County, FL with an unshakable Christian faith and was honored by serving his community, friends and family on many levels. A few of his notable accolades were serving as County Corner in Wayne Co. IN while continuing his OB/GYN practice during the last eight years he was there. He was awarded Sagamore of the Wabash- an award presented by the State Governor to exemplary citizens of Indiana who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage.
Dr. Wambo met his first wife, Catherina “Loes” Kousbroek, while he was in the Navy. They were married in 1961. He loved her without end until her passing in November of 2005.
Dr. Wambo met his loving wife Sheila in 2009. Sheila was his shining light and best friend until his passing. He is also survived by one son, Clay Wambo and wife Jessica Nash and her son, Callan Neathawk; one daughter, Carissa Wambo Hosea, and husband Tommy; three grandchildren, Savannah & Sarah Wambo, Jessica Hosea; step-children, Brandy Ramsey and husband John and Lauren Henley; step-grandchildren, Kaeleigh Starling, Olivia Ramsey and Andrew Evans; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Southerland Event Center in Lynn Haven. The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Doan & Mills Funeral Home in Richmond, IN prior to the graveside service. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville, IN.