John Thomas Vail

John Thomas Vail departed this world on October 22nd  at the age of 76 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born on June 12th 1944 in Bristow, Oklahoma to Luther Noble Vail and Lela Mae Horn.  Known as ‘Johnny’ by friends and family, he moved to Glenpool while in the 5th grade where he met his future wife Sue Phillips and finished High School in 1962. Thereafter, he attended Bacone College in Muskogee on a basketball scholarship and obtained an Associate’s degree in Business. Johnny hauled hay during the summer months in between school semesters, and even worked on the Family dairy farm after school; Johnny was known for his work ethic, always having money in his pocket, and his cars. He became a veteran of the US Army after being drafted in 1966 and honorably discharged in 1968. While in the Army, he was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana and then completed a tour in Vietnam. He married his high school sweetheart Sue Phillips on June 8th 1970 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Johnny retired from Asbestos Workers Local 94, out of Oklahoma City as a Commercial Insulator after 45 years.  Johnny enjoyed working on the farm, raising his cattle, and spending time with his family and friends.  John loved the holidays with his family and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather – Johnny made friends wherever he went.

 Johnny was preceded in death by his father Luther, mother Lela, siblings: Frankie, Paul, Don, Dorotha and Barbara.

The following family members survive Johnny: 

- Wife Sue Vail of Milfay- Son Christopher and wife Mary of Stroud- Daughter Andrea and husband Eddie   Woodson of GlenpoolGrandchildren:- Katie and husband Matt Allen of Texas- Thomas Blake Smith of Milfay- Declan Vail of Stroud- Michael Woodson of Glenpool- Great-grandson Carsyn Allen of Texas Siblings:- Mary Anne and husband Bill Giles of Newcastle- Maxine Vail and Sue Morrisett both of Tulsa- Many nieces, nephews and many friends    

Visitation will be Monday October 26th from 5pm to 8 pm at Schaudt’s Funeral Home in Glenpool. Johnny’s Life will be celebrated on Tuesday October 27th at 2pm at First Baptist Church Glenpool. The Burial ceremony will take place at Bixby Cemetery following the Celebration of Life service.