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John Harvey Rountree was born on May 7, 1955, in Wichita, KS. As a boy, he spent as much time as he could with his grandparents in the Wildhorse area of Osage County, OK. It was his Grandpa Cope who inspired John’s love for the oil and gas industry, encouraging him to pursue his master’s degree in petroleum geology at Oklahoma State University, where he graduated in 1979.
Along with being an oilman and businessman from a multigenerational oil family, John was also a rancher who cared deeply for his land, cattle, and horses, and a respected leader who believed his work was a form of service.
John was a devoted family man. He was immensely proud of his daughters and grandchildren. He was rarely absent from a sporting event or school activity and never missed the opportunity to brag about the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. As a fifth-degree black belt in Karate, John instructed and mentored countless students over the years, teaching not only discipline and skill, but respect, perseverance, and character.
Most importantly, John was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who lived his faith through action. He participated in international mission trips and prison ministry, using Karate demonstrations to build bridges, share hope, and spread the Gospel. He was a board member for the Omoribe Project, a ministry serving children and youth in Kenya. His life reflected servant leadership, helping the overlooked, encouraging the discouraged, and giving of himself without desire for recognition.
John was a man of deep character—tough, disciplined, and stubborn at times, yet profoundly caring, empathetic, and self-sacrificing. His faith in Jesus Christ shaped who he was at his core. He lived his beliefs quietly but boldly, showing them through humility, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serve others. John could always be counted on to help, to listen, and to show up without hesitation. Though a man of few words, John’s guidance was filled with wisdom and perception.
He always loved a good ribeye steak, had an encyclopedic knowledge of the back roads across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas, & always knew the best restaurants in every place he traveled.
John entered the Kingdom of Heaven on April 22, 2026, survived by his daughters, Angelin Orloski and Leslie Rountree Smith; his grandsons, Zander Week, Kaden Week, and bonus granddaughter Olivia Week; his beloved aunt, Angelin Cope; his brothers, Norman and David Rountree; and many extended family members and friends whom he treated as family. He was a great father, grandfather, teacher, leader, and friend. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to The Omoribe Project in honor of John. Contributions can be made through their website at https://www.omoribeproject.org.
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