John K. Lindsey

John Kendall Lindsey, a beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend, peacefully left this world with Teresa Nall, his loving partner by his side, early Sunday morning, August 18, 2024 at the age of 65. Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to James Kendall and Loah Joyce (Crowley) Lindsey on August 19, 1958, he was a true Oklahoma native with his life and legacy deeply interwoven with his State and Community he loved and served.

John’s early years were shared with his siblings, Marcia, Mark and James and close friends, creating a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and camaraderie. He attended 13 years of education in Tahlequah (K-12) and was a 4-year Letterman in wrestling when he graduated from Tahlequah High School in 1976. During his sophomore year (73-74) he was selected to a starring role (Rainie Pritchard) in the movie “Where the Red Fern Grows”. Years later when Tahlequah hosted the Red Fern Festival, John would always come to participate in the festival’s “movie meet and greet” session after showing of the movie and answered questions about his role and part in the movie. He carried his passion for learning and community service for two years at Northeastern State University where he studied the prerequisites for a criminal justice program while he worked consecutive jobs with NSU campus security under Gene Frusher, then to Westville Police Department as an officer and then to Vian Police Department as Assistant Chief of Police. John transferred his education to Oklahoma University in 1978 where he earned a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice.

In 1980, he had the opportunity to advance his law enforcement career when Governor George Nigh created a Motor Vehicle Courtesy Patrol Unit with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (ODPS) to help motorists along the interstates and turnpikes in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, in which John was accepted. He completed all the requirements of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy successfully and served in the field as a Trooper with this Unit for four years. While in the field he attended Oklahoma City University School of Law obtaining his Doctorate in Jurisprudence Degree in 1983, then transferring to the ODPS Legal Division. He continued his law enforcement career with ODPS Legal including serving as Deputy General Counsel and General Counsel before retiring with honorable recognition for his service of 40 years with the Department in 2020. His commitment to his fellow Troopers and legal staff is reflected in his family’s request to send a donation in John’s honor to the OKLAHOMA STATE TROOPERS FOUNDATION, 1024 E. Britton Rd., Suite 200, Oklahoma City, OK 73131, in lieu of flowers.

In his early years John enjoyed motor cycling and little league sporting activities as well as camping at Lake Tenkiller with family or friends and enjoying the lake life fishing, skiing and scuba diving. He always loved being in the outdoors around the adventurous spirit of nature. His adult hobbies included hunting, fishing, boating and camping and always enjoyed fellowship with family and friends around a crackling camp fire. He was a fan of the OU Sooners and you could always find him cheering on and supporting his Green Bay Packers. He loved to travel and went on many trips with family or friends to hunt, scuba dive or just enjoying the sites of faraway places.

It was his role as a father and grandfather that John cherished above all. His time spent with his children and Teresa’s children was the backdrop for his most treasured memories. John was married in 1982 to Jamie Lynn McClain of Wellston, Oklahoma and to them were born his precious daughter BreAnn and his cherished son, Brentley. He met his present love and partner in life Teresa Nall in 2012 and his life was blessed with her endearing devotion and love. Her children, grandchildren and great-grand child (precious Delilah) were an inspiration and encouragement to John and his deep affection and love for them was genuine.

Preceded by his parents, his memory is honored and kept alive by his loving partner, Teresa, his and her children: BreAnn, Brentley (Sauyer), Lee (Sabrina), Will (Kari), Jetta (Kirk) and Amber, along with (19) grandchildren, great-granddaughter (Delilah), and unborn great-grandson (Kelcen); sister, Marcia and two brothers, Mark and James, as well as several nieces and nephews and many cherished, loved relatives and friendships. A special thank you and appreciation to the Compassus Hospice Group nurses that cared for John during his illness and all his friends that brought necessities, fellowship, expressions of love, concern, prayers and kindness to him during this time of need….thank you!!!!

While John left us too soon his story is one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his Lord, family, friends and community. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he planted in the hearts of those who knew him will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 4:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel. Please send letters and cards of condolences to 25506 South 545 Road, Park Hill, OK 74451.