John Porter Maynard

John Porter Maynard, 91, of Hooker, OK, passed away on May 2, 2022. John was born on March 21, 1931, in Tyrone, Oklahoma to James and Frankie (Williams) Maynard. He was welcomed home by his older siblings Cornelia, Ida Lieu and James. John graduated from Tyrone High School in 1949. He served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1953. John was stationed at White Sands and Fort Bliss as a guided missile instructor, and he served in the Army National Guard. He attended college at Murray Junior College at Tishomingo, Southeastern State College and Oklahoma Baptist University. While in college, he worked as a produce delivery driver. John worked at Adams Hard Facing for 30 years and finished his career as the Safety director for Texas County where he retired at age 80. He married Ruby Johnston on November 7, 1964, and immediately became a dad to Rhonda and Kerry. Their family grew with the addition of Kristi. John and Ruby demonstrated their love for others by opening their home to over 40 foster children while Kristi was growing up.

John was a devout Christian and loved sharing Jesus with others. He served as a deacon and an elder through the years at the Hooker Church of Christ. He went on many mission trips with the youth group, worked with the bus ministry, and brought many children to bible class each week. He loved going to the detention center and studying the Bible with others.

John loved singing; he led worship at the Hooker Church of Christ often and sang with a quartet called the Four Bases. John was the self-proclaimed #1 Oklahoma Sooner fan and loved watching football and softball. Mowing his lawn was his favorite hobby.

All of John’s kids and grandkids thought they were his favorite. He never left without telling his family that he loved them or leaving a special donkey drawing. His jokes and jingles never failed to make everyone laugh.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruby; children: Rhonda Gilmore of Hooker; Kerry Johnston and Laura of Tomball, TX; Kristi Hyatt and Jeff of Kingfisher; grandchildren: David Hawthorne and Betsy of Ashland, VA; Brittany Coleman and Marc of Canyon Lake, TX; Mandy Keene of Cannonsburg, PA; Hayley Marks and Joe of Pinehurst, TX; Colton Gilmore and Autumn of Yukon; Carlee Gilmore of Oklahoma City; Bryce Hyatt and Matty of Edmond; Kelly Johnston of The Bronx, NY; Baylee Durrill and Evan of Edmond; great grandchildren: Katie Hawthorne; Hayes and Crew Coleman; Baylor and Tyson Keene; Bracen, Vivian, and Lillian Marks; Zaylee Gilmore; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the Hooker Church of Christ.

Interment will be in the Hooker Cemetery directed by Roberts Brothers Funeral Home in Hooker, Oklahoma.

Family will greet friends Friday, May 6th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to “In Search Of The Lord’s Way” and may be left at Roberts Brothers Funeral Home, Box 745 Hooker, OK 73945.