Johnnie Essary

Johnnie M. Essary, son of Emmett M. Essary and Eva J. (Perser) Essary, was born on January 21, 1936 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life on Friday, December 18, 2020 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at 84 years of age.

He attended Chalk Bluff Elementary through 8th grade, then graduated from Stilwell High School.  Johnnie married Suzanne Strauss on June 23, 1956 in Stilwell.

Johnnie served in the United States Air Force for a period of 20 years on Active Duty from 1954-1974. Johnnie had a very distinguished Air Force career in that he served at many different bases throughout the world, with 2 years overseas duty in Iceland and other assignments in Alaska and other locations. He commenced his service in radar training, was involved with cruise missiles and other munitions. He served as the Noncommissioned Officer In Charge (NCOIC) of the gun and test range at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. During this particular assignment, he oversaw many of the ammunition and weapons testing at the Air Base. The Air Force Special Operations Training was done during this time and Johnnie had many experiences directing those operations. He was selected for promotion to the highest enlisted rank available but due to family commitments, retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after a full 20 years of Active Military Duty. He was awarded the Airman Medal for Heroism for services rendered beyond the call of duty. This is the highest peace time award that is given.

Upon retirement from the Air Force, He and Suzanne moved back to Stilwell.  They opened and ran a Sears Store.  He was also member of the local Masonic Lodge.

He was well known and well liked in the community.  He will be missed.

Johnnie is survived by a loving family that includes his wife, Suzanne of the home in Stilwell, OK, nieces: Linda Howell and husband Stan of Lee’s Summit, MO, Janice Whitehead and husband Jim of Indianapolis, IN, great nephew: Wyatt Howell and wife Kathleen of Lee’s Summit, MO, a very special friend: John P Sullivan of Orlando, FL and many other relatives and friends.