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John Alan "Jack" Kapella
Jun 5, 1951 - Aug 6, 2022
Posted by Martha Reddout

© Marietta Monitor
12 August 2022, Page 4
(permission granted)

John Alan "Jack" Kapella, 71, was born June 5, 1951, in Oklahoma City to Frank John and Margaret Gobel Kapella. He died on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in Marietta, following a lengthy battle with ALS.

Jack and the former Ms. Bennie Gaye Burns were married on July 7, 1973, in Lindsay. This marriage was blessed with three children, Lisa, Darin, and Marcy.

Jack, known by most as "Mr. Kapella" or "Coach Kapella", grew up in Midwest City, graduating from Midwest City High School, Class of 1969. After high school he continued his education at East Central University, majoring in education and playing football for the Tigers. Jack's career in education included teaching, coaching, athletic director and serving as principal. Schools he was employed with included Carl Albert, Beaver, Midwest City, Seminole, Harrah, Davis and Marietta.

Jack was devoted to his faith, family, students, players, and community. He was also a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Green Bay Packers, and any team his son or nephews happened to be coaching. He was a leader in all aspects of his life. A man of integrity and respect, he was never afraid to make the right decision, even if it wasn't the most popular. He was a great husband and father and was very proud of his children. He had many wonderful friends, including a very special group of his football teammates from ECU. He had a passion for sports and competition. An avid and lifelong swimmer, he loved the water. His most cherished role was that of being a "Grandpa". His greatest joy was being involved with his grandkids and all their activities. They thought the world of him, and he would travel any distance to see them. The word "no" was not in his vocabulary when it came to his grandchildren.

Jack made a true impact on a countless number of lives. His personality was one of a kind, and his legacy will live on through so many people. We are all better for knowing him, and he will be truly missed.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Davilene Burns; sister, Phyllis Roberts; and a niece, Jamie Smith.

Those left to carry on his legacy include his loving wife, Bennie; daughter, Lisa Ruley and husband Jason of Dripping Springs, Texas; son, Darin Kapella and wife Ashley of Bentonville, Arkansas; and daughter Marcy Taylor and husband Ross of Mansfield, Texas; grandchildren, Blake Taylor, Sloane and Morgan Ruley, and Greer and Collin Kapella; three brothers, Jim Kapella and wife Shirlee of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Bill Kapella and wife Lindsey of Oklahoma City, and Tom Kapella and wife Karen of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; sister, Mary Kapella of Edmond; sister-in-law, Gwen Weber and husband Joe of Purcell; brothers-in-law, Larry Burns and wife Karen of Nampa, Idaho, Barry Burns and wife Vickie of Lindsay, and Bob Burns and wife Chris of Midwest City; numerous nieces and nephews, including Jody Weber and wife Stephanie of Norman, Matt Weber and wife Trisha of Marlow, Stacy Goodin and husband Scott of Davis, Jessica Ross and husband Chris of Edmond, and Catherine Tonseth and husband Drew of Edmond; as well as his lifetime friend, Rick Bachman and wife Judy of Oklahoma City.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 12 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church, Ardmore with Father Kevin Ratterman officiating. Interment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Ardmore.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jody Weber, Matt Weber, Jason Ruley, Ross Taylor, Darin Kapella, and Scott Goodin. Honorary bearers will be Blake Taylor, Collin Kapella and the 1969-1972 East Central University football players.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial donations be made to the Team Gleason Foundation, I AM ALS, or Good Shepherd Hospice of Ardmore.

Online guest book: halesfuneralhomes.com

This obituary included a photo of Coach Kapella. 


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