John F. Nein, 66, of Broken Arrow, died Wed. Apr. 17, 2019. He was born on Jan. 28, 1953 in Indian Town Gap, PA, a son of Donald Lee and Helen Herchelroth Nein. He married Debra June Hamilton on May 4, 1977 in Colorado Springs, CO and she survives.

Mr. Nein was in the Marine Corps and later Army, having obtained the rank of Master Sergeant and having drill sergeant status prior to his retirement and discharge. He also served 4 years in the Marine Corps. He then was a school teacher and ROTC Officer at East Central High School there was once Teacher of the Year. He received his bachelor's degree with honors. He retired 3 times from the military, school and old age. He was an active member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church and also was a very active Mason being a member of Pilgrim Rock Lodge #522, Tulsa Lodge #71, Vitruvian Lodge #557, Tulsa Valley Scottish Rite, Royal Order of Scotland, Knight of St. Andrews, Akdar Shrine of Tulsa, National Sojourners, Hero's of '76, and Jesters.

John loved to bowl, have a drink and smoke a good cigar. Other passions of his were his wife, his kids, family, friends, motorcycles, and the Pittsburgh Stealers. He also loved to travel including to Alaska and also to his sister's house in Alabama. Every year at the family reunion he "cooked and served the hungry". When asked how he was doing, his answer was always "life is good". He never had an enemy and was the life of the party.

Some quotes from family and friends regarding John are "funny, loved his grandkids, always kind, never met a stranger", "he left heart prints on everyone he touched, was faithful and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, passionate friend", "he touched many lives", true pillar of the community, honest -- no matter what, true definition of a hero, loved his country, family, bled red, white and blue, best father anyone could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son James Nein. In addition to his wife Debra, he is survived by 4 children; son Jonathan B. (Brittany) Nein, daughter Aimee M. (Shawn) Hall, daughter Tobie L. Nein and son John F. Nein, II, all of Broken Arrow; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; a sister, Donna (Ben) Bradley of Empire, Alabama; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's United Methodist Church on June 22, 2019-- 10:30 AM, 10513 E Admiral Pl, Tulsa, OK 74116.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to St. Jude Research Hospital would be appreciated.
For further information, call Moore Southlawn Chapel, 918-663-2233.