John Howard Gazin Jr.

John Howard Gazin, Jr. (also affectionately known as Husband, Dad, Papa, Brother, Candyman, Old Fart, and Ornery) went home to be with the Lord on August 4, 2026, at the young age of 79 though he had already been diagnosed with OFS (also known as Old Fart Syndrome).

John blessed the earth with his presence on December 11, 1946, in Enid, Oklahoma. He was born to John Howard Gazin, Sr. and Docia Inez Gazin.

John married his first love, Karen Gassen of Okarche, on January 12, 1968. Together they welcomed two children and, before Karen's passing on September 4, 1996, one feisty granddaughter.

John later met the next love of his life, Gail Cox Johnson of Pawnee, and they were married on June 26, 1998. Their love story began, ironically, because of a broken weed eater, and with that marriage came two bonus children. Together they built a large, boisterous, and incredibly loving family—with a lot of lawn mowers and weed eaters along the way.

John attended Oklahoma State University, where he earned his Associate degree in Drafting and Design in 1969 and his Bachelor of Science in Technical Education in 1982. He spent the majority of his career with Moore Business Forms before transitioning to Oklahoma State University. He eventually decided it was time to tell them to "kiss off" and retired—much to Gail's dismay.

John had many hobbies that he took very seriously. These included (but certainly were not limited to) irritating Gail with his ever-growing collection of tools and machinery (working or not), loving each of his children endlessly and without condition, being "Papa" to his cherished grandchildren, tinkering in his shop, telling jokes, pulling pranks, talking to absolutely everyone, and bringing smiles wherever he went.

Above all else, John's faith in the Lord was evident in every part of his life. Whether he was making coffee for the women’s prayer group, ministering to those who were struggling, or simply sharing his testimony with anyone willing to listen, he believed that everyone should know the Lord. John firmly believed that no one is beyond salvation.

John is survived by his loving wife, Gail Gazin of Pawnee; his brothers, Jim Gazin and wife Anne of Kingfisher, Jack Gazin and wife Tammy of Yale, and Bob Gazin of Edmond; his children, John Howard Gazin III of Stillwater, Jeana Waller and husband Scott of Stillwater; Erin Grimes and husband Brian of Jenks, and Mike Johnson and wife Laura of Tulsa; his grandchildren, Ethan Gazin and wife Emily, Jared Gazin, and Elisa Gazin, all of Oregon; Alexis Waller of Edmond and Shelbi Waller of Stillwater; Jaxson Grimes, Raylee Grimes, and Peighton Grimes of Jenks; Katherine Johnson, Caroline Johnson, and Luke Johnson of Tulsa. He is also survived by his great-granddaughter, Charlotte Gazin of Oregon; many beloved extended family members from both marriages; his overly protective Chihuahua, Gracie; and multiple shops filled with countless known—and unknown—treasures.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Inez Gazin, and his first (but certainly not his last) love, Karen Gazin.

To know John was to be greeted with a smile, a dad joke, a harmless prank, or a piece of candy every time you saw him. So, grab a Jolly Rancher in honor of the Candyman. More importantly, watch out for the deer—and don't forget to call when you get there.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:00 am at First Assembly of God Church in Pawnee, Oklahoma. Services will be officiated by Pastor Kirby Stevens. John will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Cemetery in Stillwater, Oklahoma during a small graveside service at 1:00 pm.

Because John faithfully devoted his life to serving and helping others in need, the family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made in his honor to the Benevolence Fund at First Assembly of God, PO Box 178, Pawnee, OK 74058. Your generosity will help continue the spirit of compassion and service that so faithfully characterized his life.