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John William VanMetre Jr. rode off into the sunset on December 29, 2024, calling the day “comfortable” in his journal. His passing was sudden and unexpected—much like the rest of his adventurous life. Everyone dies, but not everyone truly lives like John. His life wasn’t easy, but like all cowboys, he took the bull by the horns and carved out a life he loved.
Born in Oklahoma City on November 19, 1940, to Mary Jane Seabolt and John William VanMetre Sr., John was one of five siblings—EC, Cosella, Sue, and Donald. His childhood saw him in and out of homes and orphanages. Though his home life was unsteady, a teacher at school took an interest in him, making sure he could play baseball. Girls took an interest in him, too, affectionately calling him “hot lips.”
In 1958, he joined the United States Navy, marking the start of a lifelong adventure. The Navy gave him the chance to explore the world, chase warships, and create memories he would cherish until his last breath. A significant portion of his career was spent in submarines, alongside his fellow seamen whom he fondly called the “steely-eyed killers of the deep.” Stationed in Mission Beach, California, for many years, he never forgot the men he served beside during his 21 years of service.
Time stood still when he met the love of his life, Teresa. Although previously married, John never intended to tie the knot again—but fate had other plans. The two fell in love quickly. On New Year’s Day 1982, they said “I do” in a small, intimate living room ceremony. John would spend the rest of his life dating his wife and reminding her just how good she was at picking husbands. From flowers to cards to daily reminders of his love, John was completely smitten with Teresa.
The pair lived in North Carolina, where they adopted their daughters, Elizabeth and later Nicole. Once the girls left the nest, John knew exactly what he wanted to do—get back to Oklahoma, close to his brother EC and sisters Cosella and Sue. He called it “being put out to pasture,” but deep down, he was finally living his cowboy dream, one his family swears he'd had for as long as they could remember. Despite his toughness, John never hid his emotions. He’d cry when he was moved, whether from sadness or from seeing something beautiful. He laughed heartily, often at the crudest jokes.
John was the journalist of his own life and a gifted writer. He kept daily blurbs about life on the farm, sometimes noting if the stray cat that frequented the back porch made its way there for a free meal. If John wasn’t tending to his cows, he was likely at Scotty B’s, laughing with the waitstaff and handing out free candy to any kid he saw.
Early on, he learned that family wasn't defined by blood. He often spent time with three neighbor kids he loved like grandchildren: his 'little buddy' Gaitlin, along with Holly and Skylenn.
John’s last day on earth was a good one, according to his journal. He worked on a water pump and planned to tackle a few more things tomorrow. The timing of his passing would certainly have frustrated him. Waiting for him at the golden gates are his siblings Eleck Creven, Cosella Cuddy, and Donald Ray VanMetre, as well as his daughter Vonda VanMetre. Along with his parents Mary Jane Seabolt and John William VanMetre Sr.
Left to care for the cows and donkey is his wife, Teresa VanMetre, along with his daughters Mona Dunn, Elizabeth VanMetre (Brady Doran), Nicole Trout (Mike Trout), and his son Charles VanMetre. Also left behind are his mother-in-law Faye Creech, niece Brandi Creech, grandchildren Kieran VanMetre, Corey VanMetre, Cassidie VanMetre, Halie VanMetre, Santanna Webb, Sara Murray, Julia Dunn, Vincent Clifton, and Jerald Hingle. And his great-grandchildren: Hudson, Carsyn, Autumn, Amelia, Logan, Faith, Makayla, Ryan, Jaelyn, Skylar, Vanessa, Malachi, and Canaan.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to get together with your friends and share a laugh, to meet up with that person who’s been on your mind, and grab a cup of coffee
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