John K. Vannatta

John was born July 30, 1920 in a four-room house on his mother’s homestead, just west of Keyes, to Oscar Willis and Sylvia Hazel Vannatta. He went to be with his Savior, November 1, 2018, at Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kansas.  He was preceded in death by his baby brother, Frank; his father, Oscar; mother, Hazel; his uncle, Burr Key; his sister, Faye Cutter; daughter-in-law, Marianne Vannatta; and a granddaughter-in-law, Jill Vannatta; and wife, Margaret of 57 years.  He is survived by three children; daughter, Judy Harmon and husband Gary of Moore, OK; son, Jerry Burr Vannatta and wife Melinda Lyon of Oklahoma City, OK; and daughter, Connie Dye and husband Presley of Keyes, OK.  Seven grandchildren; Robi Craig and husband Bob of Norman, OK; Brock Snider and wife Radonna of Mustang, OK; Brandon Snider and wife Sonja of Choctaw, OK; Jeremy Burr Vannatta of Evanston, IL; Seth Vannatta and wife, Rachel of Towson, MD; Christy Flanigan and husband, Tim of Edmond, OK; and Rusty Dye of Edmond, OK.  16 great grandchildren; Claire, Cameron, and Carter Craig; Wacey and Dusty Snider; Parker and Paige Snider; Payton, Conner, and Avery Vannatta; Riley Joy and Walker Vannatta; Emma, Ethan, and Evan Dye and Cooper Flanigan and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

John accepted Christ at the age of 12.  John graduated from Keyes High School in 1939 and attended PAMC for two years and OSU one semester and married the love of his life Margaret Smith, July 18, 1942.  He decided to enter the Army Air Corp on August 8, 1942.  He served his country as a Glider Pilot in World War II.   He was a farmer, carpenter by trade. He enjoyed fishing; square dancing; quilting; flying kites, making peanut brittle and his family. He was a member of the Keyes United Methodist Church, American Legion, Volunteer Firefighter, and served as the Mayor of Keyes.  His greatest love was his Lord, family and friends.

Memorial Services will be held 1:30 PM Saturday November 17th at United Methodist Church of Keyes, Oklahoma with Pastor Rick Forthman officiating

Memorials may be given to United Methodist Church of Keyes, Oklahoma. Friends and Family may sign the guestbook or leave an online condolence at www.hensonnovak.com

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