John Hames, Sr.
1939 – 2025
Any man would love to be remembered as honest, charitable, kind, thoughtful, and loving. John Clyde Hames Sr. embodied all of these attributes and many more.
John Clyde Hames, passed from this life to Heaven on February 13, 2025.
Born to Clyde Hames and Vera (Stouder) Hames on October 23, 1939 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. John grew up with his sister, Vera Louise, in a time of change, war, and dramatic growth in the world. Raised in a hardworking family, his parents instilled in him the values of honesty, education, love, belief in God, and to live by the Bible.
John attended Will Rogers Base Elementary School and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in 1957. He received his B.S. in Elementary Education from Central State University (UCO) in 1964. He then continued his education to include school administration in 1966, and a Masters in Education in Counseling in 1969. He also attained his superintendent certification from the University of Oklahoma in 1987
John began his career in 1964 teaching 5th grade and continued in the classroom until 1970. He became an assistant principal and councilor in 1970. In 1972 John became the first Principal of Greenvale Elementary in Western Heights, which he helped design, and continued serving with distinction until 1981. He eventually moved into upper administration and retired from education in 1995.
John spent 30 years enriching the lives of students and staff during his career. Throughout his amazing life of 85 years, his motto of "I never met a person I didn't learn something from" was very true. He was always a lifelong learner and teacher at heart.
As a father, John loved and adored his sons, John Jr. and Jeff. He always encouraged them to do their best, follow their hearts, love God, and their families. He treasured his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as some of the most precious moments to be found.
John is preceded in death by his parents Vera and Clyde Hames, sister Louise Hodgkin, mother of his sons, Susie, and wife Gerri Hames whom his earthly body will peacefully remain at her side. He is survived by his son John Hames Jr. (wife Dorothy), son Jeff Hames (wife Valarie) and grandchildren Madelyn Hames, Jessie Hutchings, Noah Hames, Breana Smith, Austin Graham and four, soon to be six, great-grandchildren. His love extended to many nieces, nephews, cousins, and all of his amazing friends as well.
John Clyde Hames Sr. was a life-long learner, son, brother, dad, grandpap, papa, uncle, and friend. He is now an eternally-long living Christian in Heaven. We celebrate his life, lessons, and love with honor and gratitude. Thank you Dad, you are loved.
Services will be held Friday, February 21, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel in Edmond, OK. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Oklahoma City, OK.
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