John William Elder, Jr. was born on July 24, 1941, to John and Katherine Elder of Tulsa, OK. Although a Tulsan at heart, he was born prematurely in Omaha, Nebraska, when his mother was visiting family.

John completed his primary and secondary education in Tulsa schools. He was a member of the Advanced Physical Science Club in high school. His father introduced him to golfing at a young age, and he took to it like a natural. He also loved Enduro racing, which led to numerous trophies, not to mention a metal rod in one arm and a missing big toenail. He was a voracious reader, animal lover, bridge expert, KenKen fanatic, and when it came to the 4th of July, his inner pyromaniac was revealed.

John attended Oklahoma State University for college and was initiated into the Gamma Delta chapter of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. On May 24, 1964, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

He met his first wife, Linda Jane Brown, while at OSU. Although their union was short-lived, they were blessed with two children.

After college, John worked for Allen-Bradley in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He then returned to Tulsa to help grow the family business, Components, Inc., with his father.

He and Ann McCurry started dating in 1985. Sparks flew between the two lovebirds, and they were quickly engaged. A beautiful wedding at Harwelden Mansion followed on January 17, 1986. They enjoyed spending weekends at their house on Grand Lake, water and jet skiing with their kids and nephews. Their dogs were always close by, eager for yet another plunge into the lake. They became enamored by Bonaire on their many snorkeling trips to the Caribbean. They also enjoyed cruises to Alaska and Europe. After retiring, they spent summers in Pinetop, Arizona, playing golf and taking their dogs on forest hikes.

For the past eleven years, John enjoyed volunteering at LIFE Senior Services, where he
excelled at helping people with Medicare and taxes.

After several months of declining physical health, John passed away on July 13, 2024, one and a half weeks shy of his 83rd birthday.

John is survived by his wife, Ann; two children, Kristen Elder-Rubino and Carson (Shawn) Elder; a granddaughter, Gabriella Elder Rubino; and two nephews, Shawn and Jeff McCurry.

His sharp intellect, wry sense of humor, and sweet disposition will be deeply missed. He was a devoted and loving husband, a wonderful father, and an excellent dad to many four-legged friends. His memory will be forever cherished


Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151