John Ozell Deatherage

John Ozell Deatherage of Wagoner, Oklahoma, was welcomed home into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 97. John was born on September 6, 1928, to John Marian Deatherage and Elizabeth (Cawvey) Deatherage in Konowa, Oklahoma. John attended Hulbert Public Schools, often sharing stories about his younger years and growing up in the Hulbert community.

John, lovingly referred to as “Ozell,” married the love of his life, Georgia Lee Walker, on November 15, 1948, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Following their marriage, they made their home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Ozell and Georgia shared 77 extraordinary years of marriage, a rare and beautiful testament to enduring love and devotion. Shortly after their marriage, Ozell answered the call to serve his country during the Korean War. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954. He was honored with the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. John would never turn down an opportunity to share a war story or shake the hand of a fellow serviceman.

Following his honorable discharge, Ozell began a 35-year machinist career at Ideal Specialty. He attended night school for advanced mathematics and was quickly promoted to shop foreman. He held dear the memories and friendships he made there. It was through this career that Ozell discovered a love for painting. He pursued evening art classes to grow as an artist and found the deepest satisfaction creating paintings to give away to family and friends.

Throughout his life, Ozell enjoyed many passions, including woodworking, crafting furniture, traveling, and fishing, with fishing remaining a lifelong favorite. He treasured the many hours spent on the water and the fellowship it brought. Yet of all his pursuits, nothing mattered more to him than living as a devoted Christian and sharing the gospel with anyone he could. He loved his church, and he especially loved his church family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, John and Elizabeth Deatherage, and three brothers.

Those left to cherish the many fond memories of his life include his beloved wife, Georgia Deatherage of the home; his nephews, James Mckeehan and wife, Jeanetta, of Hulbert, Oklahoma, and John Deatherage of Folsom, CA; his niece, Arlene Owens of Yakima, WA; great-niece, Amanda Merz and husband, Robert, of Wagoner, Oklahoma; great-great nephews, Gauge Merz, Preston Bunch, and Bailey Jones; and great-great nieces, Charlee Merz, MaKenzie Butler, Mirakle Knight, and Morgan Knight; and cousin, Willis Deatherage.

John was a kind soul with the most humble heart, and to know him was to love him. He will be greatly missed, and the impression he left on those close to him has instilled a lasting impact that will be cherished for generations to come.

 The family will greet friends at a Visitation on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 5-7 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory.

A Funeral service will be held to honor the life of John Deatherage on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 am at the Church of Christ in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Minister Alex Brown will officiate.

Interment will follow at Hulbert Community Cemetery, Hulbert, Oklahoma. Those serving as casket bearers include Robert Merz, Gauge Merz, Mike Cooper, Neal Rice, Jimmy Leopard, and JW Windrix. Honorary casket bearers include James Mckeehan, Preston Bunch, Ben Willhite, and John Deatherage.

The family of John Ozell Deatherage has entrusted his care and services to Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory, 417 East Cherokee Street, Wagoner, Oklahoma, 74467. 918-485-2911