John Manuel Salmeron, M.D.

John Manuel Salmeron, who left his native Spain to realize a fulfilling life as a pioneering anesthesiologist, dedicated husband, caring father of three, and community servant in Oklahoma City, passed away the morning of April 13, 2022. He was 93.John mindfully lived life to its fullest. To him, that meant not only his personal experience, but enabling others to do the same. John brought joy and happiness to those around him, whether seated at a dinner table with good food and wine, inside his greenhouse teeming with orchids, or through his professional life. John was instrumental in assisting in the development of the mechanical blood circulation technology that made possible heart surgical procedures saving countless lives.His decision to immigrate to the United States in 1955 to pursue a medical career ended up influencing the lives of many of his relatives, who in turn have located in the south-central region of the U.S. He was commonly referred to as "The Patriarch" at family reunions and gatherings. Locally his network of friends and relations ran deep, and he liked nothing better than to congregate, mix and party with others at social events, where he could often be spotted cutting the rug on a dance floor. Afterward, he was equally happy to return to the peace and solitude of his Quail Creek residence.John Salmeron was born on September 24, 1928, in Arequipa, Peru, the fourth child of José Salmerón Sevilla and Carmen Salinas Tomasio. His father, a successful Spanish businessman, moved his family between Spain and Peru to navigate challenges brought on by the Spanish Civil War. Resettling in Berja, Almeria Spain, John attended the University of Granada, where he received his M.D. degree in 1955. Having heard from colleagues about the opportunities to practice his field in America, John accepted an internship in Jersey City, NJ. There he started down the dual paths of launching a medical career and gaining mastery over the English language. Subsequently he relocated to Columbus, OH for an internal medicine residency, followed by a residency in anesthesia at Saint Francis Hospital in Wichita, Kansas, where he also served as director of the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Program. During this time, he met his future wife, Lois Lillian Peterson, who was working as a nurse's aide while studying to be a registered nurse. They married in 1960.In 1963, John was recruited to join the newly formed team at Northwest Anesthesia, Inc. in Oklahoma City, where he continued his practice until 1999. Throughout these years, John was known by his caring regard for the welfare of his patients and associates as much as his technical skill. Much of his early practice took place at Baptist Medical Center, where he was the first board-certified anesthesiologist to join the staff. He was a devoted follower of the Roman Catholic faith, attending Christ the King Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. There he was a choir member and a generous donor.John is survived by his wife Lois, his children John Jr. of Hillsborough NC, Carmen Elizabeth of San Antonio TX, and Richard of Dallas TX, as well as five grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Oklahoma Orchid Society, 336987 East Whispering Oaks Drive, Meeker OK 74855. We will forever be touched by John's wisdom, grace, and smile.