John Elmer Airington, 74 years old, left this world to go to heaven on May 16th, 2025 at his home in Woodward, OK.

John Elmer Airington was born on August 28, 1950 to Clarence Robert and Mattie Agnes (Lee) Airington in Woodward, OK.

At the age of 8, he moved to Durant to live with his mom, and then at 14 his family moved to Mangum where he began working at the brick plant. At the age of 17, he began working in the oilfield and held the title of multiple positions for 18+ years. He was known by many of his co-workers as "Big John". During this time, he also dug water wells for the church camp in Vici, OK. He eventually retired from Key Energy at the age of 65.

On September 28, 1950, he married the love of his life, Wilma Ray Perrin. They were blessed with two daughters, Sherrie and Johnnie. Later in life, they also chose to adopt their granddaughters, Kieri and Elizabeth, whom became their daughters.

During their marriage, they worked together multiple times. They worked at Rick's Drive-In for multiple years. In 2002, they opened the Cornerstone Residential Care, Inc. They ran this family business successful for 12 years and enjoyed doing this together along with family and co-workers whom became friends.

Upon retirement they moved to their home south of Woodward. John decided he wanted to get involved with farming and cattle and enjoyed every moment until his passing. He also started a water business called John's Water Co.

John loved being a member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. He was always willing to help with what he could and a lot of the time he was the usher during offerings on Sunday mornings. He also loved going to Falls Creek during the summer time and cooking for the adults and the youth with his wife.

John was very much a people person. He loved visiting with anyone who would talk with him, especially when it came to spreading the word of Jesus.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Robert and Mattie Agnes Airington; his sister, Colleen Adams Harper; his brother, Garland Airington; his brother in laws, Charles Bates and Dean Adams; his nephew, Robby Douglas; and his niece, Susie Adams McCarty.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Airington; his four daughters, Sherrie Cobb and husband, Ben, of Hartwell, GA; Johnnie Depot and husband, Matthew, of Weatherford, OK; Kieri Ramsey and husband, Dale II, of Sharon, OK; and Elizabeth Miller and husband, Brandon, of Fargo, OK; his brother, Bob Airington and wife, Rita, of Woodward, OK; his sister, Carolyn Bates, of Durant, OK; his sister in law, Patsy Airington, of Durant, OK; multiple nieces and nephews, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

He will be extremely missed by those who loved him. He was the best husband, father, brother, uncle, Papa and friend. The world lost a very special man on May 16, 2025, but heaven gained a beautiful angel.

Memorial donations may be made to Feed the Children
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859