John B. Traynor

John Bernard Traynor, aka J. B. was born in Enid, Oklahoma to John James Traynor and Bernardine (Dill) Traynor and passed away at The Lakes in Oklahoma City from complications from an infection. J. B. was always proud to say that he was raised in his early years in Roxana OK where his dad was a mechanic and owned the only service station in town. Although the town is no longer on the map, a historical marker has been placed at the site to verify its existence. After an auto accident claimed his father's life, his mother, brother Thomas and he moved back to Okeene to be near family and eventually lived in a house built for them by their grandfather. J. B. attended St. Mary's Catholic elementary and middle school and then completed his high school years at St. Gregory's Boarding School in Shawnee OK. After graduation, and having worked a few years in Pauls Valley OK, he and a friend enlisted in the U. S. Navy to serve during the Korean War era, that for J. B. became a career spanning 20 years. His commendations included The National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star. He was stationed in San Diego for most of his tour of duty and also served a few years in Hawaii. He was the Data Processing Technician Chief Petty Officer in the computer department where he managed the installation of the computer program to run the fleet. During those early days of computers, one will remember that programs were written using a cardpunch. After his retirement from the Navy, he began working for U. S. Customs for the next 20 years at which time he was able to retire once again. While in Hawaii, he learned to fly and after earning his pilot's license and purchasing his own plane, he began giving flying lessons. He enjoyed playing tennis with his many friends and at age 70, he bravely engaged in some skydiving. Through the years, he was extremely proud of his motorcycles and he and a friend traveled across the U. S. on their bikes. It was a fun trip, though they weren't particularly fond of all the elements they encountered. Family gatherings were something he cherished and around 2002 he moved back to Oklahoma to be near family. Every year on his birthday, family came from all around to celebrate by having dinner at his house and then polka dancing at Czech Hall in Yukon. He especially loved seeing the young cousins dancing and having a good time and it was a highlight in their lives as well as his and they looked forward to helping him celebrate every year. It is now an indelible memory. The loves of J. B.'s life were his little gray Schnauzers, all named Hilda. He had at least three, when one passed on he replaced her with another "Hilda". Hilda would sit on his lap or on the floor beside him. J. B. will be remembered for his adventuresome spirit, love of family and his generosity. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, St. Gregory's Alumnus, the Loyal Order of Moose Kearny Mesa Lodge and the Quiet Birdmen. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Thomas Traynor. He is survived by his cousins, Mary Jane and Jerry Hoskins of Argyle TX, Dan and Myrtle Dill of Weatherford OK, Noreen and John Richardson of Southlake TX, Richard and Cheryl Dill of Oklahoma City OK, Victoria Sontag of Oklahoma City OK, Kenneth and Sheri Dill of Godfrey IL, Gerri Gatlin of Seattle WA, Jim Dill of Seattle WA, Anthony and Debbie Dill of St. Charles MO, Jo Ann Bierig of Broken Arrow OK, Raymond (Skeeter) Traynor of Enid OK, Jovita Lang of Enid OK, Pat Traynor of Riverside CA, Bob and Rebecca Dill of Casper WY, Maredda and Tom Nelson of Winston-Salem NC, George and Jody Traynor of Enid OK, Terry Traynor of Enid OK, Dorothy Traynor of Enid and numerous younger cousins. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, May 9th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Enid, Oklahoma. Directed by Smith & Kernke Funeral Home of Oklahoma City.