John Calvin Kimbrough
Sep 17, 1930 - Aug 23, 2015
Posted by April Isenberg

Clark Funeral Service

Funeral Services for Mr. John C. Kimbrough, 84, of Tishomingo, Oklahoma will be held on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10:00 a. m. at the First United Methodist Church, located at 202 N. Neshoba in Tishomingo. Rev. Michael Dye will be officiating the service with a Eulogy by Dustin Rowe. Interment will follow in the Tishomingo Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard. Mr. Kimbrough passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at the Canoe Brook Assisted Living Center in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

John Calvin Kimbrough was born to Rev. R. E. "Emette" and Edna (Wheeler) Kimbrough in Tishomingo on September 17, 1930. He grew up in "Tish" and as a teenager, became known as a part time barber to his friends. He would open up his father's barbershop after hours and offer his friends haircuts, shaves and slosh on something that smelled good. Some of them were even "free". He graduated from Tishomingo High School where he excelled in football and basketball. There are many beloved stories from his fellow classmates but one that was most cherished was when Tishomingo High School inducted him into their Athletic Hall of Fame. John proudly served in the United States Army as a member of the 45th Division in Korea alongside his hometown buddies. Many of whom were lifelong friends.

He was a graduate of Murray State College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University where he received his degree in Elementary Education. John married Martha Trotter, his childhood sweetheart, on October 4, 1969. They shared the beginning of their wonderful life together in Hobbs, New Mexico where John started his first teaching job. He later accepted a position working with his older brother in Chinle, Arizona, where he and Martha began a memorable career on a Navajo Indian Reservation, teaching, coaching, and later becoming principal. While on the Reservation, John became a "self-taught" accomplished silversmith and has created many artistic pieces of silver jewelry.

Moving back to Oklahoma in 1980, he taught school at Valliant, Lone Grove and Dickson. After retirement, John was a substitute teacher at the high school in Tishomingo. He served on the Tishomingo City Council and as Vice-Mayor. He was active in the Lions Club and had a true spirit of giving. John is a member of the United Methodist Church of Tishomingo and became a charter member of "The Terrific 10+". The family would like to thank this group for their service, friendship and love to him. John loved to paint with oils, grow and can tomatoes and bake delicious pies for everyone, but most of all he loved to fish and tell stories to friends at the Dairy Queen coffee shop.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Madeline Key and Mary Hau, brothers Roland E. "Stud" Kimbrough, Jr. and Charles R. Kimbrough.

He is survived by his dedicated and devoted wife Martha, son, Charles Wesley and wife Cindy Kimbrough of Oklahoma City, grandchildren, Lucas and wife Jessica, Katie Dale, Adam Smith and wife Kristen, great-grandchildren, Miles, Sidney and Lily, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and caring friends. A special thank you to all their wonderful friends at Ardmore Retirement Center.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in John's name to the Murray State College Foundation, One Murray Campus, Tishomingo, OK 73460.