Jon Garrett Tankersley

Jon Garrett Tankersley age 82, of Newcastle, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019 in OKC after a brief illness. He was born January 28, 1937, in Oklahoma City. Jon was the youngest of three children born to Benjamin Arlyn Tankersley and Westlynne Beverly (Coates) Tankersley. Jon grew up in South Oklahoma City graduating from Capitol Hill High School with the class of 1956. While in high school he joined the Oklahoma Air National Guard and after graduating high school he began a 32 year career as a pilot. Jon continued his education after high school by attending Central State College. He received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology and later made a career as a Toxicologist for O. U. Children's Hospital in Oklahoma City. Jon wore many hats and achieved much in his lifetime. After retiring from Children's, Jon attended OCCC and got his associates degree in Paramedic Medicine. He worked many years as a paramedic for the McClain-Grady Co. EMS, out of Blanchard. He was in the Civil Air Patrol and he was on the (DMAT) Disaster Medical Assistance Team. Jon also had many hobbies to keep him busy. He was a HAM Radio Operator, he enjoyed panning for gold and making wine. He was a member of the Newcastle Lions Club, taught Red Cross Youth Camp and was a member of TKE fraternity. He taught CPR and First Aide Classes and he enjoyed writing articles for the Newcastle Pacer. Jon was of the Catholic faith and one of his most memorable accomplishments was him writing a book, titled "The Greatest Mystery." Jon was deeply loved by his friends and family. He made Newcastle his home for many years and was proud of being a part of the Newcastle community. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a wonderful brother, uncle and a dear friend to many. He was preceded in death by: Parents, Ben and Westlynne Tankersley. Two infant sons, Garrett Io and Christopher Jon Tankersley. He is survived by: Wife, Jean of the home in Newcastle, Three daughters, Pele Mondeau and husband Aaron of Thornton, CO., Joni Graham and husband Daniel of Colorado Springs, CO., Jenni Chan and husband Alan of Bridge Creek, OK. Brother, Charles Tankersley of Houston, Sister, Mary Smith of Priest River, Idaho. Two grandchildren, John Burgess Graham II, and Aspen Rose Mondeau. Also several 3 nephews, 1 niece, several cousins and a host of friends. Memorial Services will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the Newcastle United Methodist Church. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Labre Indian School, www.stlabre.org. Local arrangements are by Wilson-Little Funeral Home, Newcastle, OK.

Jon Garrett Tankersley

January 28, 1937 - October 21, 2019