John Frank Hart was born January 13, 1932 in Elk City, Oklahoma. He entered heaven’s gates on August 4th, 2022 where he was reunited with his wife Phyllis on her birthday. John was 91 years young. John was raised in the Elk City and Canute area where he rode his horse back and forth from this grandparents house in Canute to his other grandparents home in Elk City. He was largely raised by his grandparents whom he called Mom and Pop. Their home was right next to the rodeo arena where the famous Beutler Brothers rodeoed. He grew up helping Jiggs and Jake Beutler for years at the arena. He broke his leg in the stall with one of the bucking brones so they laid him in the back of the truck and took him to the hospital there in Elk City where his aunt, Etta Musick was the RN. The hospital was named Musick Hospital, after his Aunt. Having 10 aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins he was very spoiled as an only child. At 16 he attended military school in Ponca City where he said he was “roughed up on the first day”. When he left military school he wanted to join the army National Guard so his mother signed for him to join. Shortly after he was sent to Aberdeen, Maryland where he became a weapons specialist. His 45th guard unit was first called in to work the Woodward tornado on April 9, 1947 where 107 people perished and 1000 injured with catastrophic damage.
John graduated high school in Elk City and enrolled in college at Southwestern in Weatherford where he played on the football team. This is where he met the love of his life, Phyllis Eaton. They dated 1 year and married in Sayer, OK in 1950. The Korean War broke out so John then joined the Air Force. He and Phyllis moved to Cape Cod where he was stationed. They had their first daughter, Linda, while they lived there. He received orders to go to Guam and he was off again. After serving 2 years in Guam, he was honorably discharged as he felt called to return home to Linda and Phyllis. Once back in Weatherford, he graduated with a Bachelors degree in economics and horology. He was a member of Beta Tau Beta on campus. He moved his family to Madill where he worked for Howell’s Jewelers as a watchmaker and Tol’s in Ardmore. In 1955 Tol Dickinson sold the business to John and that is where he could spend the rest of his career. Being a watchmaker, he was the official watch inspector for the railroad in our area. He also studied and became a diamond appraiser. John had a wide array of friends from all walks of life.
He was very skilled at all the sports he played. His favorites were fishing and golf. He was an excellent golfer and had 9 witnessed hole in ones. John was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church and served in many areas through the years. His presence was huge in each and every family member’s life.
He loved each one to the fullest. He taught us well to love God and Country.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, mother Ray Gene Anderson, father Osa Hart, and infant daughter Vicki Lynn.
He is survived by and lovingly remembered by his daughters Linda Robinson and her husband Kenneth, Rhonda Newton and her husband Mark; grandchildren Clint Robinson and his wife Lyndsi, Dustin Robinson, Garrett Newton and his wife Sarah, Katie Schafer and her husband Brad; and great grandchildren Caison, Braelon, Bridger, River, Sayler, and Tuck.
Graveside services with military honors will be held Monday, August 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park with Dr. Alton Fannin officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church or Cross Timbers Hospice. Online condolences can be made at www.
Online condolences can be made at www.craddockfuneralhome.com.
