John L. McSherry

John McSherry was born on October 30, 1932 in Jacksonville, Illinois to Joseph and Idamae McSherry, in the middle of a blizzard. From those early days, he carried with him the steady values that would shape his 93 remarkable years: faith, service, curiosity, and deep love for family. He went home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 5:15 p.m., leaving behind a life most beautifully, fully and faithfully lived. A devoted servant of Christ, he spent many years teaching teenage boys' Sunday School classes at Harvard Avenue Baptist church and at Falls Creek Youth Camp - patiently guiding young souls, answering questions, and offering quiet encouragement. His faith was simple and sincere and steadfast, something he practiced every day. He proudly served in the United States Navy from March 1952 to March 1956, and inactively from March 1956 through March 1960. That sense of duty and humility remained part of who he was throughout his life. After earning a degree in Marketing from the University of Tulsa and marrying our mother, he built a Tulsa Police Department career of 35 years, including teaching Criminology at Connor's State College, marked by integrity and retired in 1999 - though "retirement" hardly slowed him down! He volunteered with the Oklahoma State Historical Society for the 2007 Oklahoma Centennial and onwards, preserving stories of the past. He also delighted countless children in his unforgettable role as Santa Claus at Tulsa's very own Utica Square. The twinkle in his eye needed no costume - it was always there. He loved puzzles that kept his mind sharp and travel that kept his spirit adventurous - from Hawaii's gentle shores to the mountains, from Wyoming and Canada to the Caribbean, and anywhere a boat or cruise ship could carry him. He was happiest near the water, on a journey, or surrounded by those he loved. He was preceded in death by his son John Michaelin 1985 and is survived by his wife Martha of 64 years, his daughter Mary and son-in-law Jerry Givens, daughter Marquita, son Matthew and daughter-in-law Jeanie McSherry, and son Mark McSherry, along with 10 grandchildren and 7great-grandchildren and one on the way - each and every one is a part of his proudest legacy. His was a life of steady goodness. Of showing up. Of loving well. And of serving faithfully. Viewing will be 12PM - 7PM, Monday, February 16, 2026 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 East 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Funeral service will be 10AM, Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 403 South Cincinnati, Tulsa, Oklahoma. A military burial with honors will take place at 10AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at Fort Gibson National Cemetery, 1423 Cemetery Road, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma. We extend to all a most cordial welcome. He will be deeply missed, warmly remembered, and forever loved. Thank all of you for coming to remember him in this beautiful First Baptist Church Sanctuary.

John L. McSherry

October 30, 1932 - February 10, 2026