John Thomas Breeding's Obituary
John Thomas Breeding passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, December 11, 2024, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, at the age of 86. Born on February 28, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, John was the beloved son of Lyle Densil Breeding Sr. and Lorraine Marie (Nordstrom) Breeding.
John spent his formative years in Tulsa, Oklahoma, graduating from Will Rogers High School. In a moment that exemplified his independence and adventurous spirit, he informed his parents one morning that he had enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was leaving for basic training after breakfast. He hitchhiked across the country to Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, where he proudly served for three years.
After his honorable discharge from the Marines, John returned to work on his grandfather's farm in Maysville, Arkansas. It was there he met the love of his life, Ernestine Tucker. The couple married the day after her 18th birthday and went on to share 63 beautiful years together.
John and Ernestine began their life together in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, where John attended Oklahoma State Tech. In 1964, they moved to Tulsa, where John launched his career as a bookkeeper. A decade later, the couple settled in Hectorville, Oklahoma, on a 15-acre property that became their cherished home for 50 years.
John lived by the wise words of his grandfather: "Be the best at whatever you do, and you won't have any trouble in this life." This philosophy shaped his high sense of integrity and his commitment to excellence in all endeavors. Whether working, coaching, or spending time with family, John sought to give his best in every facet of life.
Baptized into Christ at the age of 12 at Eastside Christian Church, John credited his faith and God's grace for the many blessings in his life. He often reflected on Lou Gehrig's famous words: "I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth." For John, this sentiment captured his gratitude for his family, his upbringing, and the countless good people who shaped his life.
John loved the outdoors, working with his hands, and tending to his land. He was an avid golfer and a devoted family man who cherished coaching his children's sports teams, including little league baseball, basketball, and wrestling. Though he sometimes reflected on his parenting with humility and self-critique, his family always felt the depth of his love and commitment.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Ernestine; his children, Tom Breeding and wife, Pam, Kelly McDoulett and husband, Tony, and David Breeding; his grandchildren, Whitney, Beau, Kyle, Todd, Tyler, and Karoline; his brother, Paul and wife, Angela; sister, Mary; and extended family, who will forever treasure his legacy of love, faith, and hard work.
A graveside ceremony will be held 1 PM Saturday, December 21, 2024 at the Maysville Cemetery in Benton County, Arkansas. Viewing and visitation will be held from 2-4 PM Friday, December 20 at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service.
"Surely, God built a hedge around me," John often said, marveling at the grace and protection he experienced throughout his life. His memory remains a blessing to those who were privileged to walk beside him.
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