Johnny Day

Johnny Joe Day, Ph.D., P.E., of Glenpool, Oklahoma, passed on peacefully at home on April 10, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1934, John lived a long and meaningful life defined by devotion to his family, dedication to his profession, and deep personal integrity.

A man of intellect and quiet strength, John was born and raised in Ardmore, OK. He earned three degrees in Petroleum Engineering from 1952 to 1965, all from the University of Oklahoma, where he was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus.

John led a successful career that took him all over the globe as an engineer for Gulf Research and Development and as a private consultant. John's passion for education moved him to a long career in academia. John was Professor and Chairman of Petroleum Engineering at the University of Tulsa from 1970 to 1984. John left TU only to start a private consultancy teaching short petroleum courses internationally. In 1990 he was called back to academia, becoming Professor, Roy S. Butler Chair, and Chairman of Petroleum Engineering at Texas Tech University, helping his two grandsons earn degrees in Petroleum Engineering in that time. He retired from TTU as Emeritus Professor in 1999. His sharp mind was exceeded only by his warm heart, and he was known for his humor, wisdom, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to family.

John was preceded in death by his dear son, John Day II (33) and the love of his life, his wife of 53 amazing years, Shirley Lind Callahan (70). Though he endured great loss, John remained a pillar of strength and comfort to those around him.

John is survived by his two daughters, Jo Lind Nadrash and husband, Edward of Carrollton, TX and Andrea Blackston and husband Jerry of Glenpool, OK who cared for him with great devotion.

John was the eldest of five siblings and is preceded in death by his sister, Joan Tyce of Ardmore, OK. He is survived by his brother, Ronald Gene (Ronnie) Day and wife Sharon of Frisco, TX, Kenneth Lee Day of Paul's Valley, OK, and Karen Evelyn Burge and husband Kenneth of Ardmore, OK.

John was preceded in death by one grandchild, Sarah Nadrash of Tulsa, OK. He leaves behind a proud and growing legacy: grandchildren Brandon Nadrash and wife Ann, Heidi Mayer and husband Zach, Neil Nadrash and wife Cheryl, Michelle Cole, Angela Jordan and husband Jeff, Jennifer Perry and husband Lee, and Brandon Blackston and wife Bethany, and he was known as "Papa John" to 18 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Johnny Joe Day will be remembered not only for his professional achievements and steady leadership, but most of all for the deep love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the generations that follow.

A celebration of life service for Johnny will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025 @ 11:00 AM at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, 1329 E. 151st St, Glenpool, OK 74033. A reception will follow after in the reception room at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service.