“John Boy” Esparza, age 36 of Purcell, passed away Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the Norman Regional Hospital. John was born June 2, 1977 in Gatesville, TX, the oldest of 4 children born to Harold and Maria L. (Regalado) Esparza. He was raised in Purcell and attended Purcell schools. While in school, John was very outgoing and loved to play baseball and football. He transferred to Wayne for his senior year, graduating in 1996. After school, John began working for Davis Custom Cabinets in Norman, where he learned the trade of cabinet making. John married Robin George and to this union, a son, Jordan was born. Shortly after Jordan was born, John was injured in a car accident, and from that day his health began to slowly decline. Known to many as “John Boy”, he loved getting out and meeting and visiting with people. He spent countless hours with the regulars at Val’s Barbeque, his favorite hangout, for coffee and gossip. John was an avid sports fan, and especially OU Sooners football and anything Michael Jordan. His greatest joy, however, was spending as much time as he could with his son. John coached little league baseball and you could find him at any of Jordan’s activities. He was a family man first; a wonderful father, son, brother, uncle and good friend. He will be dearly missed!
He was preceded in death by: His grandparents, Jose and Andrea Esparza and A cousin, Zachary Esparza.
John leaves behind: His son, Jordan Esparza of Wayne; His parents, Harold and Maria Esparza of Purcell; Brother, Manuel Esparza and wife Amy of Lexington; Sisters, Jessica Perez and husband Ruben and Adrianna Esparza and husband D.J. Fox, all of Purcell; Grandparents, Modesto and Belinda Regalado; 8 nieces and nephews, Tristan, Brianna, Joseph, Kyra, Jr., Austin, Kenna and Eli; Several aunts and uncles, cousins and host of longtime and close friends.