Johnny Gene Claborn's Obituary
Johnny “Gene” Claborn Sr., 79, of Okmulgee passed away peacefully on Sunday afternoon, October 28, 2012. Gene was born on July 12, 1933 in Dustin, OK to Lonnie and Sue Claborn. He graduated from Graham High School in 1951 and then voluntarily served in the United States Army as a cook and mess sergeant during the Korean conflict. Upon completion of his military service, Gene worked various jobs in Nebraska, California, and Henryetta, OK before he continued his education at OSU Technical College Okmulgee (“OSU Tech”). At OSU Tech, he won an outstanding student award and earned a technical degree in diesel mechanics. After Gene graduated, he was employed as a diesel mechanic by Stubbs Transport of Henryetta for 8 years. In 1966, Gene launched his teaching career at OSU Tech as a diesel mechanics instructor. He encouraged his students to excel through the Diesel Mechanics VICA Club in which he was an active leader. During his years of instructorship, Gene also completed his bachelor’s degree from OSU. Gene retired from OSU Tech in the spring of 1992 after 26 years of dedicated service.
Gene married Virginia “Ginny” Claborn on December 28, 1956, and they were happily married for almost 57 years. Gene and Ginny had two sons, John and Larry. Gene was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Dustin Masonic Lodge No. 336, of which he was a member for 54 years. One of Gene’s favorite past times was enjoying morning coffee with friends at local cafés. In his spare time, Gene rebuilt trucks and provided lawn mowing services with his wife and grandsons. Gene was a loyal member of Town and Country Christian Church of Okmulgee for 20 years.
Gene is survived by his wife, Virginia “Ginny” Claborn, as well as two sons, Johnny “John” Claborn, Jr. of Okmulgee and fiancé, Linda Greene, and Larry Claborn and wife, Tiffany, of Elmwood, IL. He is also survived by 2 grandchildren, Stephen Claborn, and wife, Krista, of Monmouth, IL and Christopher Claborn of Boulder, CO. His surviving siblings include his brother, Rick Claborn, and wife, Amy, of Vinita, OK and his sister, Margaret Lewis, of Oxford, MS. Gene was a proud uncle and great-uncle to a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Lonnie and Sue Claborn, of Okmulgee and brother, James Orville Claborn, of Morris and 3 nephews. He was a friend to everyone and never knew a stranger. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. He will be missed by family and many close friends.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 1:30 at the Town and Country Christian Church in Okmulgee with Pastors Tim Reeves and Timothy Craighton officiating. Interment will follow at the Westlawn Cemetery in Henryetta. Friends may view at the McClendon-Winters Funeral Home in Okmulgee on Tuesday from 1:00 – 8:00 P.M. The family will greet guests at the church on Wednesday from 11:00 A.M. –1:00 P.M. prior to the funeral service.
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