John Willis McCracken Jr.

Grandfather

John Willis McCracken, Jr., D.O., F.A.C.O.S., Lt Col USAF (Ret.), 90, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Orange Grove Senior Care Home in Tucson, Arizona, with his family and friends by his side.

John was born on October 12, 1935, in Kansas City to the late John McCracken, Sr. and Erma McCracken. In 1953, John graduated from Argentine High School and joined the U.S. Army. Shortly after returning from Germany following a three-year enlistment, he met

Dorothy Steele (Tracy). After a courtship of just three weeks and six days, they were married in Miami, Oklahoma, on February 8, 1957. On February 8, 2016, they celebrated 59 years of marriage.

John’s professional career was devoted to serving others. He served as a neurosurgeon, trauma surgeon, U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, medical school professor, and occupational medicine physician. John and Dorothy raised five children, and for more than seven decades, John gave selflessly of himself, always putting the needs of others before his own.

In his youth, John could often be found working odd jobs. As he grew older, his life became centered around his love for his wife, family, education, medicine, and his Lord Jesus Christ. His giving spirit continued throughout his life as he cared for his wife, Dorothy, and later his daughter Mauri during their final years. Despite a lengthy battle with dementia, John never stopped loving and giving.

John is survived by his three children, Rochelle (McCracken) Kilmer, Gregory McCracken, and Michael McCracken; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; his oldest son, Chester McCracken; his daughter, Mauri McCracken; and his mother and father, Erma and John McCracken, Sr.

A Funeral Service will be held at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, US, on August 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at EAST LAWN PALMS CEMETERY, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712, US, on August 20, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.