| John Thomas "J.T. Stites, II, 86 of Sallisaw, OK passed away September 29, 2015 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. He was born October 7, 1928 in Greenwood Junction, Arkansas, the son of Tom and Lessie Stites.
At the age of 14 - 15 years old, during WWII, J.T. was a welder at Kaiser Shipyards in Pt. Richmond, CA. He was a 1948 graduate of Sallisaw High School, where he was President of the Student Council and a Black Diamond football player. He married Mary Jo Ross on June 9, 1951 in Ft. Smith, AR. Mr. Stites served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed at Ft. Davis Panama Canal Zone from 1951 - 1952.
He attended Northeastern University on a GI Bill and received his Masters in Education. He was a teacher, coach and principal at Liberty Mound (Bixby) School System from 1955 - 1961. In 1962, he moved back to Sallisaw. From 1962 - 1970, Mr. Stites was math teacher and from 1971 - 1990 he was Sallisaw High School Principal. He and Mary Jo were the first co-directors of Carl Albert State College Sallisaw Campus and also served as a Trustee. He taught, coached and led over 5,000 students during his 30 year career. J.T. was State Representative of Oklahoma Legislature 2nd District from 1990 - 2002. He was a cowman, builder, community activist, family man and was loved by all.
Mr. Stites was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jo.
Survivors are:
2 sons and daughters in law: John Thomas "Tom" Stites, III and Nan of Sallisaw, OK
and Dr. Kirk Stites and Stephanie of Van Buren, AR
4 grandchildren: Jake Ross Stites and wife, Samantha of Austin, TX,
Morgan Hailey Stites of Van Buren, AR, Alec Ross Stites of Van Buren, AR and Cale Abbott of Sallisaw, OK
1 sister: Imogene Copeland of Sallisaw, OK
2 brothers: Edmund Stites of Sallisaw, OK and Don Stites of Sallisaw, OK
He was also preceded in death by 2 sisters: Verna Lindsey and Margaret Davidson
and 4 brothers: Ted, Herbert, Charles and Doug Stites
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sallisaw, OK.
Burial will follow at Sallisaw City Cemetery under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home.
Viewing will be Thursday 8 am - 8 pm and Friday 8 am - 8 pm at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home
where the family will greet friends from 6 - 8 pm Thursday.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carl Albert Development Foundation, 1507 S. McKenna Poteau, OK 74953
|
