John Henry Weese

John Henry Weese was born on December 31, 1948 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Archie Weese and Neva (Watson) Weese. He attended Eugene Fields Elementary School in Tulsa. When Archie moved the family to Tailholt, Oklahoma, John continued his education at Caney Elementary School and later attended Tahlequah High School.

In 1968, John was drafted into the United States Army and faithfully served his country for two years as a helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he began working as a laborer for bricklayers, a trade he pursued until his mother became ill. He became her caregiver until she passed.

Outside of work, John had a passion for working on cars – especially if it was a Ford. He also enjoyed tending to his garden and caring for his animals, which over the years included cows, goats, and chickens.

On May 24, 1994, John married Kathy Leatherman, and together they made their home in the Tailholt community. Much to Kathy’s delight, John was a man of habit. He rose early each morning and headed to the barn to feed his animals. After chores, he would wash up and prepare a fine breakfast for his family. His favorite breakfast featured Paul Harvey’s bacon recipe – rolled in flour and baked in the oven – served alongside eggs, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal with syrup, jelly and butter on the side. Milk was his drink of choice for every meal and snack, and he could not imagine how someone could dislike it. Coffee was his constant companion when not eating.

Heaven gained another angel on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, when John was called to his eternal rest. He was 76 years old. John was pure at heart and a good, honest man. He lived by a high moral code that was simply part of who he was.

He is preceded in death by his father, Archie Weese, precious mother, Neva (Watson) Weese, one newborn son, John Paul Weese, infant brother, Gary Weese, and one sister, Carlin Doss.

John is survived by his wife, Kathy Weese of the home, three sisters, Darlene (Ferrell) Gatewood of Tahlequah, Sharon Harbison and husband Dean of Hulbert, and Linda Davis of Tahlequah, three brothers, Larry Weese of the home, Laymon Weese and wife Cindy, and Mike Weese and wife Tammie, both of Welling, along with 15 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and many dear friends.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff and nurses of Good Shepherd Hospice and the VA Hospital care team.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 1:00pm until 5:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Graveside services for John will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:00am at Caney Cemetery with Chaplain Rodnie Groomer officiating. Honorary pallbearers are all those that knew and loved him.