John Edward Roller

John “Poppy” Edward Roller passed away peacefully Monday, December 19, 2022 at the age of 92. He died peacefully in his home with his beloved wife Pat and their children following a few months of declining health.

John was the only child of Dick and Anna Roller and was raised in the country where his love of the natural world became his life passion. As a child he was active in 4-H raising prize-winning chickens and steers and working on the ranch near Okemah, OK.

In 1953 John graduated Oklahoma State University with degrees in Animal Husbandry and Agronomy. He added a second bachelor’s degree in Science Education and a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Tulsa University.

His career in science education spanned five decades and included classroom teaching and Science Facilitator for Tulsa Public Schools. He was instrumental in transforming science education. Lectures and workbooks were replaced with classroom laboratories and experiments as students learned by doing. He helped bring science fairs to all schools.

John married Patsy J. Dunn-Kellogg in 1979. Their 43-year marriage brought much love and support to their family of three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

A man of faith and service, John was active as a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner. He served as a deacon, teacher, and volunteer in many churches including Cross Pointe Church in Norman and 41st Street Christian Church in Tulsa, OK. John is survived by his wife Pat, step-children Donna Ashelford of Wollongong, Australia, Cindy Cason of Norman, OK , and Gene Kellogg of Edmond, OK. Grandchildren include Kate, Becky, Andrew, Daniel, Jonathan, Sarah, Zachary and Elise, and great-grandchildren Temperance and Verity and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Primrose Funeral Service on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 11:00AM