John DeLisle Wakely III, 89, of Durant, Okla., passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Dec. 6, 2019. He was born on Feb. 6, 1930, to his parents John D. Wakely, II and Bernice (Perry) Wakely in Tulsa, Okla.
He graduated from Tulsa Webster High School in 1948 with a football scholarship to OSU where he briefly attended. He married Helen (Lyles) Wakely, 1990, and dotingly loved her for 29 years.
John’s work experience with aircraft began in 1966 with American Flyers, Ardmore, Okla., Phil Air Aviation, Madill, Okla., SOSU, Durant, Okla. until he retired in 1995. However, he continued helping local aircraft facilities with his expertise until he was in his 80’s. 
John had many hobbies over the years; flying, golfing, hunting, fishing, gardening, carpentry, camping, and his best hobby was storytelling. He proved to be a master at anything he attempted to do.
John is preceded in death by his parents Bernice and John D. Wakely II, former wives Helen Mae White and Margaret Skinner, as well as a beloved daughter, Cindy McRuiz.
John is survived by his wife, Helen, and his brother Tom Wakely and wife Nancy of Norman, Okla.
Also children: Joyce Carrington and husband Don, Tulsa, Okla.; Jonetta Wakely, Skiatook, Okla.; Vincent McRuiz (son-in-law) Brookfield, Conn.; Kay Sowinski and husband Larry, Tulsa, Okla.; Marjorie Robertson and husband Kent, Kingston, Okla.; John D. Wakely, IV and wife Suzonne, Kingston, Okla.; Senia Bell and husband Shawn, Pauls Valley, Okla.; Mindi Jones, Sherman, Texas; Mark Rogers and wife Vicki, White Oak, Texas.
Grandchildren: Tyler McRuiz and wife Michelle, Southbury, Conn.; Elise DeSousa and husband Rui, Brookfield, Conn.; Nichole Jayko and husband Jim, Ballston Lake, N.Y.; Eric Moore and wife Jennifer, Kingston, Okla.; Allison Wakely, Kingston, Okla.; Lane Bell, Pauls Valley, Okla.; Averyl Bell, Pauls Valley, Okla.; Brandon Camp, Sherman, Texas; Brent Camp and fiancé Kacie, Denton, Texas; Jack Rogers, White Oak, Texas; Dylan Rogers, White Oak, Texas.
Great-Grandchildren: Jude, Riley and Amelia McRuiz, Southbury, Conn.; Daphane Jayko, Ballston Lake, NY, and Riley Moore, Kingston, Okla.
A Celebration of John’s life will be held at Western Meadows Baptist Church in Durant, Okla. on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 at 11 a.m. Pastor Cole Newton to officiate.
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral Service in Durant.