""Mr. Coble" was my favorite Teacher of all times. His gym in the 1970s and 80s was decorated with larger than life posters of American Hero's. He taught me to walk on stilts, line dance at the fair , jump rope and how to take punishment when i deserved it. I would give $100 for his " Electric paddle"! When I heard he was called to active duty my senior year in HS it made me proud . STAND UP.. FACE MARY LOU RHETTON AND HEAD OUTSIDE. Peewee"
In loving memory of
Johnny Alton Coble
October 31, 1943 - July 31, 2018
Services to honor and remember the life of Johnny Alton Coble will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2018 in the RiverCrest Chapel, Bixby. Family will receive friends for visitation from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2018 also in the RiverCrest Chapel. A visitation in Marietta, OK will occur from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Flanagan-Watts Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2018 in the Leon Cemetery, Leon, Oklahoma. Johnny passed away on Tuesday night in Bixby. He was 74.
Born October 31, 1943 in Leon, Oklahoma, Johnny Alton Coble was the last of three children born to Walter Franklin and Amy R. (Chambers) Coble. Receiving his education in nearby Marietta, Johnny enjoyed playing basketball for the Marietta Indians and also participating in the school band where he received the John Philip Sousa music award his Senior year. One of the highlights of Johnny's youth was working summers alongside his father for the Red River Valley Rural Electrical Co-op.
Following high school, Johnny furthered his education attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University in Durant. There, he joined a band called the "Mutineers". It seemed this group quickly created a local and even regional following. Johnny graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He then moved to Hominy, Oklahoma where he began student teaching and ultimately his career as an educator.
Another new venture, Johnny, simultaneously joined the Army National Guard in August of 1966. He continued this service and passion until October of 2003 when he retired as Command Sergeant Major - having graduated from Sergeant Major Academy in 1996. The first public school teacher, in Oklahoma, to be called to active duty during Desert Storm, Johnny proudly served his country overseas from November 1990 until May of 1991. Once back home, Johnny completed his career as an educator with Tulsa Public Schools retiring in December of 1994. Throughout his career, Johnny taught business classes, physical education classes and was even a coach.
A son, a brother, an educator and a soldier, Johnny was also the beloved and proud father of two: son, Bradley John Coble and daughter, Alicia Paige (Coble) Wedding. Eventually, Johnny also became the proud grandfather to four grandchildren: Addison, Mia, Hannah and Tripp.
When Johnny found himself with spare time, he was probably on his motorcycle out on the open road or somewhere pursuing his musical passion of playing and singing.
In addition, Johnny was a lover of sports and it was because of the OKC Thunder, and some mutual friends, that Johnny met his wife, Jan. Now Jan had Johnny at free Thunder tickets, but Johnny had Jan once she laid eyes on him and, "he smelled good, had a flat tummy and a cute butt", said Jan.
Johnny was a man who loved and was loved. He was a mentor, a leader and a fighter. He has been described as: strong, compassionate, giving and dedicated. The impact that Johnny's life made is far reaching and the love that he shared with his family and friends will never be duplicated.
Family members left to carry on Johnny's legacy include: his loving wife, Jan Boyne-Coble of the home; his children: Bradley John Coble and wife, Monica of Tulsa and Alicia Paige Wedding and husband, Thomas of Bixby; four grandchildren: Addison, Mia and Hannah Johnson and Tripp Coble; brother-in-law, Paul Hallum of Burneyville, OK; nephew, Derek Hallum and wife, Darla and their daughter, Beth of Lone Grove, OK and niece, Paula Meadows and husband, Steve and their children: Troy and Chad of McAlester.
Johnny was preceded in death by: his parents and his siblings: brother, Freddie Lee Coble and sister, Carolyn Ann Hallum.
Tributes
"Mr. Coble was such a funny, but a strict gym teacher. He loved his job & I will cherish all my memories of him. Even when he had to be the one to give me my first "swats" in the utility closet. No other teacher would do it and he even cried. Those darn tattle tellers saying I talked... But I was honored to get a swat, and never got another one that's for sure! Went on to be the fastest track runner in my class. Miss our squad spots, those little red dots you were certain to stay on or he would come by and scoot you in line! And if you dared to fight over the stilts, you sat on the wall or did chin ups! Man, I could go on for hours. So glad to know you had a wonderful life, Mr. Coble. Love from your favorite elementary student, Tonia (Garrett) McNeill. Xo"
"My family loved John very much and he will be missed. Praying for comfort and peace for the family. "
"My husband and I both served with John in the Oklahoma Army National Guard for over 20 years. You won't find a better man, soldier, and leader than CSM Johnny Coble. He was a man among men and he will be greatly missed. It was truly an honor to have served with him!"
"Fate made us neighbors but love made us family. Prayers during this difficult time. Live you all "
"So sorry to hear this about my Hominy High School teacher. He was a great teacher. My condolences go out to Paige, Brad and the rest of his family & friends."