John Hayden Rentfrow, (88), of Phoenix, Arizona, left his earthly home and returned to his Heavenly Home on February 2, 2023. John was born to parents Pearl and Hayden Rentfrow on July 19, 1934, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of three children (Dorothy, Russell); growing up in Phoenix and moving to his uncle's ranch in Montana, where he spent his high school years. John graduated from Buffalo High School in a senior graduating class of six, which included Joan Fairchild, with whom he would fall in love with and later marry. After attending college and graduating from Business School in Billings, Montana, John refined his business acumen working in multiple fields: retail (Sears & Roebuck), banking (1st National Bank), construction management, and aviation (Autonetics Aerospace Corporation at Luke AFB). John was an accomplished businessman with an inventive spirit and possessed an innate entrepreneurial capability which ultimately led him to purchase Hydro Mite Corporation (manufacturer of an aircraft landing gear strut servicing stand) in 1977. With enthusiastic support from Chester "CJ" Jones, whom he admired and often referred to as its "genius" inventor, John worked tirelessly with colleagues Joan, Sheila, and Arlene to bring this revolutionary strut-servicing product to the public, and the first big breakthrough occurred in 1998 when the Navy bought multiple units. For over 25 years, commercial, military, and private customers from all over the world have purchased Hydro Mite Units and continue to purchase them to this day from Rentfrow, Incorporated. John was predeceased by his wife Joan Rentfrow and their three children Johnny "Little Johnny," William "Bill," and Donald "Don" Rentfrow, who lost their young lives to muscular dystrophy; by his mother Pearl and father Hayden, his brother Russell and sister Dorothy, and his treasured long-time friend, Arlene Colver. John is survived by his loving partner Sheila Andrews, his surrogate children Donna Andrews Burkett (Jeff), Patricia "Trish" Andrews Presnell, his grandchildren Nicholas and Andrew Presnell (Kathryn), Aaron (Eva), Brandon, Ashley (Johnny) and Bryan Burkett (Danielle), great-grandchildren, Brody and Juliana Presnell, his nephew Milton "Buzz" Turner, many great-nephews and great-nieces, and his invaluable friends, Jim, and Betty Tihey. John loved watching Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks games (the same two sports he played during high school), enjoyed both restoring and seeing cars restored, and appreciated his time with special friends and family; but his favorite hobby and most enjoyable of times were the many memorable hours he spent fishing. Family was so very important to John, and he was extremely generous to known and unknown alike, through both formal and informal donations. John was a lifelong learner who loved to read and made it a point to stay informed about current events. A gifted communicator and consummate conversationalist, John enjoyed engaging in passionate discussion and displayed a genuine interest in others, always making time for them. John overcame great personal adversity and professional setbacks throughout his life; yet was able to find the inherent humor in everyday living. John enriched countless lives with his laughter and seemingly endless reservoir of knowledge; and was deeply loved and appreciated. Though the effect on our lives of the loss of such a kind and loving Soul will be immeasurable, he will live on in our hearts until we reunite again in Spirit. There will be a celebration of John's life on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, located at 2350 E. Greenway Rd. in Phoenix, Arizona. Anything you care to share can be entered online. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in the Rentfrow name.
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