John (Daddy) (PaPa), age 94, was born in Tipton, OK to Fred and Irene Eddleman. He loved that town, participating in Boy Scouts, football, riding his horse Cricket, and playing the trombone. John later moved to the Mead/Durant area to finish school. He joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1942, and spent almost 4 years aboard the Battleship Texas going on invasions in North Africa, Normandy, Cherbourg, Italy, Iwo Jima and finally Okinawa. Because John had played the trombone, he was assigned to bugler school, so spent his time on the navigation bridge during the war. It wasn't unusual for him to play the bugle in "swing time." He received numerous medals, especially for his actions after the bridge was hit during the battle of Cherbourg. John remained loyal to "his ship" the rest of his life going to numerous reunions, raising money for its restoration, and sharing his knowledge with many navy historians. He would describe himself as a Patriot. After the war, John attended Fresno State, but felt the call to come back home, and joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1950 spending 20 years serving the state in Chandler, Pauls Valley, Watonga, Vinita, and finally OKC, where he was civil defense and communications director, size and weights, and was the liaison director for building the current Oklahoma Highway Patrol building. He took great pride in seeing that project through. Every aspect of being a trooper was important to John, whether it meant working an accident, helping stranded motorists, giving safety talks, or teaching lessons to new cadets. After retirement from the Patrol, John worked for P.C. Schools as the Transportation Director, and as Chief of Police. Anyone who knew John would most likely tell you that he was a great storyteller. His attention to details was amazing. John's stories were funny, heartwarming, and often life lessons. He became a Christian as a young boy, and put his trust in The Sermon on the Mount. John also had a passion for boats, and owned too many to count. Many fun weekends were spent at Lake Eufaula, where he put to practice his building skills. John knew how to make memories with his family. He first married Vera during the war, and daughter, Linda, was born. He later married Bea, and had daughters, Johnita and Nancy. After Bea's death, John was reunited with and married his childhood sweetheart from Tipton, Kathryn. Kathryn had two daughters, Jill and Ann. He was predeceased by wives, Bea and Kathryn; his parents; brothers, Rineheart, Lee Roy, Gene; and sister, Fredoline. Perhaps John would say his biggest source of pride was his family, whom he loved so much. He is survived by daughters, Linda and Tim Osborne, Johnita Smith, Nancy and Pat Ruby, Ann and Mark Bowman, and Jill and Randy Johnson; grandchildren, Jason and Dyann Allen, Chris and Kelly Allen, Cody and Kelsey Ruby, Sara and Aaron Clute, Adrienne Bowman, Trevor Bowman, Lee and Leslie Johnson, and Taylor Johnson; great-grandchildren, Jaylea and Jensyn Allen, Luka and Linnea Eddleman-Clute, Korlynn Allen, Annabel Leigh and Ethan Johnson. John also is survived by brother-in-law, Warren Arthur; nephews, John and Linda Eddleman, Sandy and Paula Whittaker, and Danny Arthur; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Our peace comes from knowing Daddy (Papa) has been reunited in eternity with many loved ones; we know he's whistling a happy tune; he can see; he can hear; he can breathe; and he knelt at the feet of Jesus without pain. "Love you, love you, love you!" Funeral Service Thursday, September 1, 2016 10:00 AM Mercer-Adams Chapel 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008