J.D. Masters

J.D. Masters of Stratford, Oklahoma was born July 2, 1930 on an 80 acre farm near Asher, Oklahoma to John D. and Myrtle (McPhearson) Masters. J.D. transitioned from this life early Tuesday morning in Sulphur, Oklahoma on August 8, 2023 at the age of 93 years 1 month and 6 days. He started school in Asher in the Cooper grade school and graduated from Stratford High School with the class of 1946 being the youngest in his class. At the age of 18, J.D. found a job with C&W construction Co. He was assigned to work in Heavener, Ok. where he met Kathryn Pilkington, at a local cafe. Only after 2 months, J.D. and Kathryn married in Van Buren, Arkansas on July 25, 1949. Two years later, their daughter Teresa was born. J.D. and Kathryn set their forever roots in Stratford. December 26, 1956, J.D. and Kathryn purchased a small store from his dad and mom. J.D. and Kathryn invested 67 years in the business. In addition to running the store J.D. enjoyed his cattle operation. In 2005, J.D. considered cutting his store hours from 16 a day to 12 hours a day seven days a week. J.D. thought retirement was an 80 hour work week. One of his best moments in life was when both granddaughters graduated from East Central University. J.D. found the people of Stratford to be the biggest assets, when in times of trouble, there is always someone around to help you. He has done his share of helping Stratford families by providing food and gas for families facing financial hardships during his 67 years of business. J.D. and Kathryn were selected in 2002 as Blue Cross and Blue Shield ageless hero's for healthy aging role models as Business Champions serving the Stratford community. Also he served on the Stratford Board of Education during Teresa's High school days. He was kind and gentle and loved his family with all he had. Preceded by; his parents, John and Myrtle Masters, wife Kathryn, and granddaughter Meredith Marquard. Brother, John T. Masters Jr. and sisters Wilma Wood and Hester Wise. Left to carry on; Daughter Teresa Marquard & husband Bill Granddaughter, Meresa Ann Clark & husband Josh two great-grandchildren, Carson & Addison Owens all of Stratford, Oklahoma. Brother-in-law Mick Pilkington & wife Kathy of Heavener, OK. A host of nieces and nephews many friends and business acquaintances. Visitation; will be Thursday August 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in DeArman Funeral Home Stratford. Services; will be 10:00 AM Friday August 11, 2023 in the Free Will Baptist Church Stratford, Oklahoma. Officiating; Rev. Lewis Perry.

Tributes

J.D. Masters

July 2, 1930 - August 8, 2023