Dec 31, 1946 ~ Jan 27, 2016
John Essley Medlen was born December 31, 1946 in Bartlesville, Washington County, Oklahoma. The first born son of Floyd Essley Medlen (1913-1973) and Margaret Esther Little Medlen (1921-2011). His siblings: Margaret Ellen (Sally) Bishop, Dewey; William Joseph Medlen (1949-2001); Robert Emmet Medlen, Dewey; Ricky Lee Medlen, Bartlesville; and Joe Taylor, Caney.
John Received his education from Copan and Caney Schools, graduating in 1966. John resided in Copan during his adolescent years and played football for the Copan Hornets in the mid-60s. He was also an avid OU sports fan. John served in the U.S. Army beginning November 1967 and was stationed at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. He was later sent to Vietnam in May 1968 where he was a Rifleman and Radio-Telephone Operator in Company A, First Battalion, 14th Infantry of the Division's Third Brigade. He was promoted to Army Specialist Four white serving in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart after being wounded in combat duty. John was proud of his service to his country and you will always see the U.S. Flag flying at his residence in Dewey. He married Nancy Jean Cooper (1948-1997) and together they had three children: Margaret Kathleen (Peggy), John Michael, and Sheryl Diane.
John passed away at 11:25 p.m., Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at The Journey Home in Bartlesville where he has resided since Thursday, January 21, following a lengthy illness.
Arrangements for cremation were
made through Stumpff Funeral Home with his ashes
given to his children. His family and his dog,
Sooner, will all greatly miss him.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m.,
Friday, February 5th, at the Christian Church, 100
E. 4th, Caney, Kansas, officiated by Pastor Bill
Wright. In lieu of flowers, John's family asks that
contributions be made to The Journey Home, 3406 SE
Kentucky Ave, Bartlesville 7406 or via their
website. The Journey Home is a non-profit
organization and through them John was given the
gift of a beautiful, quiet, and peaceful place to
spend the last days of his life surrounded by
family.
Friends who wish may sign the online
guestbook and leave condolences at
www.stumpff.org
Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory
1600 Southeast Washington Boulevard
Bartlesville, OK 74006
(918) 333-4300