John Edmond Gutierrez

Services to honor and celebrate the life of John Gutierrez are being planned for 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2023. Services will be held at RiverCrest Chapel and Event Center, Bixby. Family will greet friends on Thursday evening from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Born August 18, 1951, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, John was the son of Oscar and Geneva Mae (Salmon) Gutierrez. Raised in Tulsa, John worked for his father and uncle at Gutierrez Brothers Banana House. There, he delivered produce, earned money to spend on improving and maintaining his GTX for a bit of street racing. He learned valuable life lessons working alongside his father. John would attend and graduate from McLain High School, in Tulsa, with the Class of 1969. The friendships he made through grade school and high school in Tulsa remained so solidly important to him. His memories of these times and people made him very happy.
Following high school, John attended the University of Tulsa where he received his bachelor's degree in archaeology and anthropology, along with minors in creative writing and religion. This course of study only fortified his passion for collecting 'things' and as time progressed, 'things with age'. This passion would last a lifetime and leaves his wife, Lee, and son, Wyatt, with many treasures to sort through that will be cherished as mementos to time and interests shared with him.
While attending TU, John found his home away from home at the Sigma Chi fraternity house. Although he was not formally a brother, he was included in general activities including any mischief that may or may not have ensued there. He forged many lifelong friendships that endure to this very day.
Following his graduation, John was accepted to and began his course of study at TU's Law School. He quickly determined that this was NOT the right fit for him - he felt there was too much emphasis on the letter of the law and not enough about what was right and wrong.
Still working in the family business following college, John decided it was time for a change. With archaeology degree in hand, he soon began work as a stockbroker. He got his first experience at Fitzgerald, DeArman & Roberts, then moved for a short time to Edward D. Jones before striking out on his own. He worked independently for the rest of his life. He built a close knit book of clients, many of whose assets he managed for 30 or more years.
In all facets, not excluding professionally, John was an extremely likable person. He wanted the best for people and because of that built many close relationships.
Relationships with his wife, Lee, and his son, Wyatt, were at the top of the priority list for John. He met Lee at a party at her sister's house. She then chased him for 6 years, and they married in 1985. The two mostly loved hiking vacations, including exploring U.S. National Parks, Canada, and Mexico. John especially loved exploring cities for fine dining experiences and hotels with grand views. They eventually settled down near Jenks on a property they liked and into a house they remodeled. It remains home today.
In 1991, John and Lee were divinely blessed with their son Wyatt. John was a wonderful father who had a way of always making things seem special for Wyatt. John knew how to challenge his son in the right ways. This helped Wyatt achieve so much academically, professionally, and generally in life. To say that John was proud of his son is an understatement.
Commemorating positives and celebrating victories was a way of life for John. He loved eating at restaurants to celebrate. He had his favorites and loved to try new ones as well. In fact, even if it was 'your turn' to choose the restaurant or movie, he somehow often ended up offering many 'helpful suggestions' until the perfect place revealed itself. Indeed, movies, music, and food were extremely important to John. He has a vast collection of both movies and music, and put both to good use on Friday nights after dinner with the family.
He was, and still is, in our hearts: a lovable man with just the right mix of honor and orneriness. He was a caring provider who was generous and giving. He was also doting, fun, and exceptionally witty.
John was comfortable with his relationship with God and with family. There is no doubt that his presence will be greatly missed.
John passed from this life on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 at his home with his loving family at his side. He was 72.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lee and his grateful son, Wyatt.
He was preceded in death by his parents: his father, Oscar and his mother, Geneva, as well as by his sister, Frances.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Edmond Gutierrez, please visit our floral store.