John Charles Ogren
Obituary
John Charles Ogren was born January 24, 1931, in Arkansas City, Kansas, to John Edwin & Grace (Butler) Ogren and passed from this life November 3, 2014, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 83.
John grew up in Arkansas City with his brother Edwin Ogren and his two sisters, Margaret Ogren and Virginia Ogren. He was a member of the Arkansas City High School basketball and tennis teams where his teammates gave him the nickname Ogie.
John graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1949. He attended Arkansas City Junior College (now named Cowley College) from 1949 to 1951. He received a B.S. in Business Administration from Kansas State University in 1953, and a M.B.A. in Management from the University of Tulsa in 1968. John worked in the aerospace industry for Boeing, General Dynamics, Rockwell International, and North American. John began his job with the City of Tulsa in 1977. He was the Purchasing Agent for the City for 26 years, retiring in 2003 after having worked for a total of 61 years. John was the only living person who had a City of Tulsa building named after him. The John C. Ogren City of Tulsa Surplus Facility & Auction Site is located at 108 N. Trenton Avenue.
Throughout his years, he never met a stranger and was endeared to one and all by his tall, lanky frame, positive attitude and genuine smile. Over the course of his life he was a pilot, horseman, coach, real estate agent, race car driver, water and snow skier, avid reader and world traveler.
John (known as Grandpa John to his beloved grandchildren) was preceded in death by his parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife, Santita (Smith) Ogren; his daughter Kimberly Sutton and her husband, Wayne; his son, Jeffrey Ogren and his wife, Rebecca; his daughter, Jennifer Ogren; his stepchildren Robert Gray and his wife, Caroline; Jeanne Richards and her husband, David; and 11 grandchildren, Kaleb, Jake, Jonah, Jared, Hunter, Addison, Jace, Philo, Charlie, William, and Weston. He is also survived by five nieces.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014, at Asbury United Methodist Church in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made in John’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project or to Cowley College.
Events
Tributes & Memories
I was doing genealogy on the Jacob and Eliza Jane Hall Crites, I am letting you know that I have pictures of Jacob and Eliza Hall and all their children and some their children's families. I would love to share them with anyone interested. I was hoping to find John Ogren, so sad I can not share these pictures with him. I know if he did not have them he would of loved them. The pictures include Margaret Ann Crites and Thomas Butler and all their Children, William U Crites (my husbands line) Carrie Viola Crites & Ira E Bonneville, with all their children, James Edward Crites & Dora E Fesler & family, Rosetta M Crites, Bert Crites & wife. Please contact me if you are interested. Kathy Ailsjie
Kathy Ailshie
I'm truely sorry to hear of John,s passing. John was a good friend of mine. We played basketball and tennis together in Jr. College. John also wrote articles for the sports section in the Ark City newspaper covering the Juco basketball games in which he gave me ample credit for my performance in the games. John was truly a fine person. My condolences to you Santita.
Allen Chaplin
Uncle John was a wonderful man and will be very missed by our family! He was the first guy I ever danced with. He tried to teach meto waltz! His last words to my Mom, John's sister, when she was dying was,'Tell Virginia I will see her in heaven.' I imagine they are visiting as we moarn his passing.
Barbara Spleiss
John was a remarkable man, very good father. I am blessed I got to know him. He will truly be missed.
Jessica Bone
It was a real pleasure knowing John and working in Purchasing with him for 25 years. He was a wonderful person. Will be remembering you all in my prayers. May God give you peace at this time...
Phyllis Brown
John and I dated for a while when we were young we met in Wichita, Kansas he was a very nice man . Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Sincerely Dee Dee Shaffer Horrall
Dee Dee Shaffer Horrall
John was a dear friend for many years. He was very kind and caring to everyone. We met him and Santita in square dancing, were in the same Sunday School class at Asbury, and enjoyed playing Pegs and Jokers every month for many years. We also traveled to Los Cabos together where we enjoyed much fun and laughter. We will miss his big smiles and hugs, but he will always live on in our hearts and memories. You were fortunate to have such a great husband, father, and grandfather. Blessings, Wayne and Sammie Kendall
Wayne and Sammie Kendall
Santita, we were so fortunate to get to know John. We truly enjoyed our dinner get togethers with you and John and we will treasure those memories forever. We will miss John so much. We love you.
Libbi & Tom Felty
jennifer
jennifer