John Gassett
Obituary
John Dean Gassett was born January 10, 1924 in Kay County, Oklahoma to John Wesley and Lilly May (Gelruth) Gassett. He passed from this life Saturday, February 2, 2008 at the age of 84.
Upon graduating from Webb City High School in Webb City, Oklahoma in 1942 John joined the United States Navy serving as an officer from 1943-1946. Upon his honorable discharge he obtained an Engineering Degree from the University of Oklahoma. He continued his education at the University of Tulsa earning a Juris Doctorate in 1952. He worked as a Patent Attorney for Jersey Production Research Company and later Amoco until 1984 when he entered private practice. John volunteered for the Boy Scouts of America, youth baseball, and Whiteside Park's Run For Your Life program. He authored the book Little John, The Web City Kid, a collection of short stories about his childhood experiences. John was a resident of Tulsa for over 50 years and a member of the Lutheran Church of Our Savior.
John was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mildred (Ahrens) Gassett in 2003; his brothers, Robert and Henry; his sisters, Opal and Clara Belle. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Janie Gassett and William and Terry Gassett; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Chuck Schilling; his brother, L.D. Gassett; his grandchildren, Roger, Josh and Nathaniel Gassett, Beth Winfrey and her husband Bobby, Will, Becky and Jeff Schilling and his wife, Amanda, Richelle Tilghman and her husband, Russell; and his great grandchildren, Taylor, Cale and Parker and many nieces and nephews. The impact he had on all those who knew and loved him will live on throughout their lifetimes.
Family is to receive friends from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home and a funeral service will be held 10:00 am Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 146 S. Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to the American Stroke Association, 1700 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754
Events
Tributes & Memories
Dear family of Mr. Gassett, It was with a saddened heart to learn of John's passing. I had actually googled him because my daughter was studying the "Dust Bowl" days. I told her I know this wonderful, sweet man that wrote a darling of a book and maybe he could come speak to her class. You see, I did the cover for his book and had the privilege of spending some time with him, albeit brief, during his publishing days. I know it brought him great joy and happiness to have written "Little John", and isn't realizing some dreams what it's all about? I have a few copies that I got as samples, and I am going to donate one in his name to our school, Regent Preparatory School of Oklahoma. We take our history very seriously, and Mr. Gassett would've have blessed the children with his witness to those days, but his stories will now live on. May God bless you and give you peace. Sincerely, Erica Andrews and family
Erica Andrews
Mike, Susie, Bill and families, We have many happy memories of growing up playing back and forth across the street from you on 25th Street. Your mother and father were excellent friends of our parents, John and Toni McKenna. Mother still speaks fondly of them. She turned 90 on Christmas Day. Your dad was such a gentleman. May God bless you with peace and comfort. Marianne McKenna Kennedy and family
Marianne Kennedy
Amanda Tucker
Condolences from a patent attorney friend. John was one of only a few patent attorneys in Oklahoma for many years, and I enjoyed his friendship in our IP meetings. He was a gentleman of the first order and a well respected attorney. We are saddened at the news of the passing of a good man, but we are also uplifted by memories of a life well lived. Our prayers are with his family. Bill
Bill D. McCarthy