John Roger Adair

John Roger Adair was born May 22nd, 1959, in Oklahoma City, OK to Nota (Anderson) Adair and John Ralph Adair. He joined his older sister, Heidi, who adored him, until the new wore off. She took great pleasure in terrorizing him for much of his youth, except when the tables turned and anyone who dared to look at him with ill intent quickly learned better! One such moment occurred when Heidi witnessed Johns first-grade teacher physically abusing him due to his struggles related to what was then an undiagnosed learning disability.

That experience marked the beginning of many challenges John was forced to overcome and was quite possibly the defining moment that prepared him for the days ahead. He was diagnosed with severe dyslexia at a time in the early 60’s when it was still very new and poorly understood. With the help of his tutor and beloved next-door neighbor, Elsie, he became a master at tackling obstacles, and his dyslexia was the first of many that he overcame. From that moment forward, John worked twice as hard as his peers. His textbooks were recorded by the Library of Congress for the Blind into his college years. Despite many setbacks, he excelled academically.

Those early struggles with his learning disability helped shape John into the man he would become, intelligent, driven, thoughtful, caring, always observant and making sure others were treated with kindness. He had a killer sense of humor, a sharp wit, a keen intellect, was a loyal friend, loved animals, “most” people and was content to listen and observe rather than seek the spotlight.

Throughout his life he had many hobbies. He loved skateboarding, biking, riding and racing his minibikes and motorcycles in competitions, spending time at the lake, fishing, skiing, and boating. He spent time traveling the U.S on fishing trips and rock-climbing adventures. He attended a rock-climbing/mountaineering school in Colorado. He had a thirst for knowledge and never stopped learning, developing a love for computer science, building computers, and attending years of continuing education in the field. He loved music and frequently attended concerts. He taught himself to build guitars and amassed an impressive guitar collection, buying and selling guitars for many years. He also built, bought, and sold skateboards – even though he could no longer enjoy skateboarding himself. He enjoyed woodworking in his garage and could fix almost anything. He was a wealth of information, a man of many talents. There was not much he did not know or could not answer, including current events, trivia, music history, world history, and pop culture. He is the guy you wanted on your team at Trivia Night!

Following graduation with honors from Ardmore High School, John attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and master’s degree in educational psychology, all while working his way through school as a Psychiatric Attendant at Central State/Griffin Memorial Hospital and at the OU Paint Shop.

After graduate school John fulfilled a lifelong dream by backpacking solo through Europe, exploring the world on his own terms. That trip would prove to be his last big adventure.

John built a meaningful career in mental health, obtaining numerous certifications and licenses – including LPC, CADC, and EAP – so many that his office wall resembled an “alphabet soup” of accomplishments. He worked in community mental health for many years where he served as Clinic Director for CREOKS Behavioral Health Services in Okmulgee and Okemah, worked as a clinician at Second Chance Recovery Center and ultimately became Employee Assistance Director at Michelin North America’s Ardmore Plant.

In his early 30’s, at the height of his life, John was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, later identified as Pompe Disease. Over the next decade, he lost the ability to walk and eventually relied on a motorized scooter and an external ventilator to breathe. Despite his disease, John continued to live fully, working, attending concerts, enjoying his hobbies and remaining fully engaged in the world around him.

During this time, John met Janet, who also lived with Muscular Dystrophy. Janet was a family friend who helped teach him to navigate life with a disability. They eventually got married and built a fiercely independent life together, living as a handicapped couple. Tragically, Janet lost her life in a devastating van fire following a visit to the Muscular Dystrophy Clinic. John survived, recovering from both physical injuries and unimaginable grief.

Years later, John was lucky enough to find love again – a true match made in heaven. Marilyn became his soulmate and partner for the final 12 years of his life. She stood by him with strength, love, and devotion, keeping him grounded and supported through every challenge. Together with their beloved dog, Stormy, they built a life filled with companionship, love, and faith. They are active parishioners at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond.

John’s life was defined not by limitations, but by perseverance, intelligence, and a quiet strength that carried him through extraordinary challenges. From early childhood through the final days of his life, he met adversity with resilience, humor, courage, and unwavering determination, never allowing his circumstances to define who he was or how fully he lived.

John passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 3rd at Integris Hospice House.

Preceding John in death are his parents, John and Nota Adair, and his wife, Janet Adair.

John is survived by his wife, Marilyn (Jones) Adair, of Edmond; stepsons, Danial May and Tyler May of Wellston; stepdaughter’s, Angela Martzall of Cupertino, California, and Shama Weiss of Okmulgee; his sister Heidi Adair Chapman, Ardmore; his nephew, Jackson Adair, of Tulsa; and his beloved fur baby, Stormy.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 16, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Baggerley Funeral Home, 930 S. Broadway in Edmond, Oklahoma. A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held the following day, Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S. Littler Ave. in Edmond. Graveside burial services and a luncheon will follow.

To honor John’s life, he would kindly ask you that you treat disabled people with respect, dignity, and always avoid parking in handicapped spaces.

If so inclined, please consider donating to

MDA Neuromuscular Center (OKC)

4221 S. Western

Suite 5010

Oklahoma City, OK 73109

(in memory of John Adair)

Or

Integris Hospice House

13920 Quailbrook Drive

Oklahoma City, OK, 73134

(in memory of John Adair)