Jon Arthur Cantrell was born October 4, 1953 in Ontario, CA. He died on December 11, 2011 in Oklahoma City. He was the youngest child of George Robert Cantrell and the former Goldie Esther Weddle. Born on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, he had a lifelong love of animals and nature. He spent his childhood in Chino, CA, now an exurb of Los Angeles, but at that time a small farming community. His father was employed by the California (Correctional) Institute for Men, working in the prison dairy. Jon volunteered for the Marine Corps at the age of 19. He was trained in the military as an electronics mechanic, and served one tour providing helicopter avionics support services off the coast of Viet Nam. Jon later regretted that he did not accept multiple attempts by his military superiors to send him to college. During his service, he found himself no longer able to unquestioningly support military actions. He devoted much of his life after the military promoting peace and tolerance, though these ideals were at times elusive in his personal life. After leaving the service, he moved to Houston, TX, following his brother. When his brother developed a terminal illness, Jon and his oldest sister nursed him. Both remained in the Houston area for many years after Sams death. Jon was a small business owner, working in electronics and real estate. In his late 30s and early 40s, he began making many changes in his life. He moved to Austin, TX and then to Oklahoma City. He began running, eventually completing a marathon. He earned an undergraduate degree in Religion and Philosophy at Oklahoma City University, a graduate degree in Human Relations at Oklahoma University, and was studying Anthropology at Oklahoma University at the time of his death. Jon had a special love of music. His taste in music was extensive and broad-based. He gave money and time to a number of charities, including Institute of Interfaith Dialogue, Raindrop Turkish House, Habitat for Humanity, Feed the Children, Veterans for Peace, and a number of animal welfare charities. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Garton, MD; sister, Jewell Kennedy of Boise, ID; brother and sister in law, Brad & Lynn Garton of Austin, TX; 7 nephews; 1 niece; and numerous great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a collection of beloved animals. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Sam Cantrell, and sister, Leila Manning. Memorial services will be Saturday, December 17, 2:00pm at Raindrop Turkish House, 4444 N. Classen Blvd, OKC.