Obituary for John Ethridge

John Ethridge

February 20, 1938 – July 31, 2021

John Lessley Ethridge, a resident of Ponca City, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was 83. A celebration of his life will take place at 10:00 AM, Friday, August 6, 2021 at Northeast Baptist Church, with Pastor David Langley officiating. Viewing will take place from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, August 5, 2021, at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will be present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Face masks are required.

Those unable to attend the Funeral Ceremony, may attend virtually on the Trout Funeral Home website, www.troutfuneralhome.com and click on the live-stream or toolbar icon on the top right corner after 9:45 AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, OK 74604.

John was born on February 20, 1938 in Hartford, Alabama to James Wesley Ethridge and Mary Nell (Osteen) Ethridge. He was raised in Columbus, Georgia. He married the love of his life, Patrica “Trit” Ramsey Ethridge on May 7, 1965 in Columbus, Georgia. They were married for 46 years. He served in the National Guard for a brief time.

As a young boy he learned to cut meat and it became his livelihood until he retired. He enjoyed many hobbies through the years from softball, bowling and fishing to golf until he could no longer play. He was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide football fan and loved to talk Alabama football. Anyone who knew him knew it was an argument they would not win. He attended Northeast Baptist Church in Ponca City and loved his Lord and spending time with his family most of all. He was the quiet but strong type and the backbone of his family. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Melony Ethridge Westerman and husband, Steve, of Collinsville, OK, Leslie Ethridge Leaming of Newkirk, OK; four grandsons, Josh Westerman of Brooklyn, NY, Zach Westerman of Ardmore, OK, Connor Westerman of Collinsville, OK and Garette Leaming and wife, Franny, of Newkirk, OK; great-granddaughter, Amelia Jade Leaming, who will be born later this month; his beloved dog, “Trixie”, of 10 years and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Trit, his brother, James Wesley Ethridge, Jr. ; sons-in-law, Gary Leaming, Steven Rogers; sisters-in-law, Rhonda Ethridge and two brothers-in-law, Gene Woodruff and Rudy Hays.

Casket bearers will be grandsons Joshua Westerman, Zachery Westerman, Connor Westerman and Garette Leaming.

Honorary casket bearers, John Ethridge, Tracy Willis, John Hayes, Franklin Woodruff Jr, Mark Woodruff, Chad Woodruff, Dennis Hudson, Mikey Hudson, Herb Brantley, Richard Jones, Billy Roop, Tim Blair, Terry Scarborough, Stan McCombs and Doyle Houston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the America Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home