John Earl French was born to Raymond Harvey French and Lois Earline (Gregg) French on December 10, 1939, in Wagoner, Oklahoma.  He lived most of his early years in the Flat Rock area, except when his dad was in the United States Navy during WWII.  John attended Flat Rock School, San Diego Schools, and lastly Wagoner Schools.  He graduated in 1957 with his beloved classmates from Wagoner High School.  He attended Connors for a short time and later the University of Tulsa.

John joined the United States Navy with one of his best friends, Franklin Sullivan, on the buddy system on March 23, 1958.  In August 1958, John met the love of his life, the former Linda Gaylor.  They married on December 26, 1959, and shared 65 and a half years of marriage.  John went to work at Ross Martin in Tulsa, Oklahoma on October 1962, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 2001 on his 62 birthday.  He and Linda lived in the Tulsa area for all those years and moved to Wagoner in June, 2002.

John had many hobbies, but he loved his hometown, Wagoner, and all of his classmates.  He did or helped with many projects in his volunteering.  He served as City Councilor for Ward 1. He established the Wagoner Farmers Market,  the first trunk or treat on South Main Street, and the first Italian dinner under the stars at Semore Park.  He worked with the Wagoner Main Street, getting Hefley Park on South Main.  He volunteered for many things: driving the First Christian Church van for ten years, serving on the Board of Wagoner Library Friends, and tutoring children and adults.  He was a reader to the second grade reading program at Teague Elementary.  He loved his classic cars, especially his 1957  Chevy Bel Air, fishing, horse racing, casinos, mowing his lawn, and playing Pitch with his family.

John died on September 3, 2025, at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, OK, after persevering 8 years with many health issues.  He fought a long and good fight, and now he is resting.  Survivors include his wife, Linda French of the home; one sister, Doris Lollis; sisters-and-brothers in law, Ray Don and Linda Gaylor, Mike Gaylor, Donna Jenkins, and Richard Beall; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews; his beloved 1st cousins, Jane Cochran, Bill French, Becky French Crocker, Debbie French Miller and Dave French; and many second cousins.

John was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers-in-laws, Allen and Lillian Turley, Mary Francis and Lee J. Hall, Bill Lollis, Guy and Mary Gaylor, and Carline Gaylor; sisters, Sharon Lou French and Barbara Carr and her husband, David Carr; half brother, Charles French; his parents, Raymond and Lois French; his niece, Melissa Gaylor; and several cousins

The family will greet friends at a Visitation on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life honoring the life of John French will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home at 2:00 pm.

A Committal Service and Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, Wagoner, Oklahoma.  Those serving as casket bearers are Rick Allison, Steve Unrau, John Chandler, Brett Greer, Blake Hall, Adam Gaylor, Guy Gaylor, John Lollis, Joseph Ingle, Jerry Turley, Matthew Gaylor, Ronnie Burk, and Jeff Boyle. Honorary casket bearers are the High School Class of 1957 and Ross Martin Cooperate Express Company.

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