John L. Wilson

John L. Wilson, resident of Oklahoma City, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. John was born on September 15, 1949 in Poteau, OK. He was a 1967 graduate of Great Bend High School in Great Bend, Kansas. He graduated from OBU in 1971 and earned his master’s degree from UCO in 1977.

John met Carol Goins at OBU as a freshman and at the end of his sophomore year, they were married. Fifty-three years of marriage were celebrated in May. During those years, John taught at Girl’s Town High School, served as Dorm Director at Brotherhood Dorm on the OBU campus and went on to have a long career with Shawnee Public Schools. He was a counselor and administrator at Shawnee Junior High, Washington Elementary School, Shawnee High School, Jefferson Elementary, and Will Rogers Elementary. John was committed to making each school he worked at a better place for the students and staff.

His devotion to his fellow educators and students was match only by his devotion to his family. He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Serena Watson, grandson, Cash Watson; mother, Joy Wilson; brother, Dan Wilson (Susan); as well as many nieces and nephews. He had a special relationship with his sister-in-law and her husband, Tami and Greg Ward, their children, Ryan, Garrett, and Sierra (Jarrett), and their granddaughters, Avrianna and Kiah. He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas Wilson; brother, Billy; and bonus mother, Arlene Scott.

In retirement, John’s passions were family, travel, photography, and his dogs: Juneau and Jaxx. Cruises, road trips, and amusement parks were a joyful part of John’s life. He was a true Disney and Universal aficionado and delighted in riding every ride with Cash on their annual Orlando, FL getaways. Visits from Avrianna and Kiah brought happiness into his life as only children could. John attended Crossings Community Church. The pastors of the church were a special blessing during the time he was hospitalized.

A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at the Walker Funeral Chapel in Shawnee beginning at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in John’s honor to your favorite charity.