John H. Eagleston, Jr.

John H. Eagleston, Jr. passed away peacefully December 20, 2017 two days short of his 94th birthday. He was born Dec. 22, 1923 in San Antonio, TX, the only child of John Houston and Mary Hoover Eagleston. He graduated from Texas A&M University where he was a member of the boxing team while earning a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. John came to Oklahoma City in 1954 as a salesman for the Arnold & Clark Oilfield Chemicals. He eventually became president of that company. In 1979 he stepped down and began Eagleston Wholesale Drilling Mud and Chemicals which he ran until selling and retiring in 1982. John had a longtime love of flying, having taken lessons without his parents knowledge and earning his first wings at the age of 15. He flew as a fighter pilot with the 9th Army Air Force in WWII. From 1954 -1960 he flew jets with the 185th Fighter Interceptor Squadron of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Upon retiring from business, he returned to his love of aviation and started Lindbergh Aircraft Sales, buying and selling planes while building several high performance kit planes. He was an active member of the Oklahoma Pilots Association and the Quiet Birdmen. He made friends easily, being blessed with a boyish grin, twinkling eyes, contagious laugh and a mischievous sense of humor. He was sought by many for his opinion, out of respect for his forethought and blunt honesty. Because of his meticulous approach, he excelled at all he attempted. He was known to all who met him as a true gentleman of the old school. John was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy and his youngest son James T. Eagleston. Survivors include sons John A. (Donna) and Stephen R. Eagleston, both of Oklahoma City, daughter-in-law Michele Eagleston, 9 grandchildren Jennifer, Katy, Allison, Dustin (husband Jeff Hammerich)) Tasha, Anna, Jeff (wife Karen), Houston (wife Jamie) and Brian Eagleston and two great-grandchildren James and Emily Eagleston. He also leaves behind his loving friend Mary Jo Thompson. The family sends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Lakes and his special caregiver Diane Dunbar. Viewing will be from 6-7 pm on Friday, December 22 at Smith & Kernke Funeral Home, 14624 North May. Funeral Services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 23 at the Chapel at Smith & Kernke with interment following at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of his late son James T. Eagleston or the Free to Live Animal Sanctuary.