John M. Carney, beloved husband, father and grandfather, heard his name called and stepped into glory on Friday, January 27, 2023.
John was born April 3, 1939, to Brady and Wanda (Francis) Carney in Dexter, Missouri. He was an outstanding student and along with his classmates, received many awards during his school years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Ouachita Baptist University, where he participated in ROTC. Following graduation he was commissioned into the United States Army and was honored to serve as an Army Chaplain at the Baptist Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. He earned a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Seminary, a Master in Education and a Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction both from Oklahoma State University.
He was called to the ministry at age 16 and served in churches in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma, while also working with the Missouri Baptist Convention, Kentucky Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. During his many years of service as pastor, administrator and teacher of teachers and church workers, he made many friends and touched lives across several states.
John came to Cushing as Minister of Education at First Baptist Church, and later worked in the Cushing school system as teaching principle. He finished his career with the Oklahoma State Department of Education in several capacities.
Since retirement, his main loves were in his study of the Bible, spending time with family and beloved pets, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. He also embraced farm life and spent many years of hard work on his farm south of Cushing. Every morning was spent feeding the birds and enjoying coffee while bird watching.
John was preceded in death by his parents and several family members in Missouri, as well as by his daughter, April (Carney) Hayter and his stepson Randy Barker.
He is survived by his wife, Patty Carney and his mother-in-law Donna Lessley of the home, as well as one brother, Larry Carney and wife Sue; sister Kay Barbour and husband John; and special cousin Kenny Carney and wife Shirley. He is also survived by daughter Kerri (Carney) McLinn, son Anthony Carney; stepdaughter LeAnne (Barker) Beltson and her husband Stuart; granddaughter Randi (Barker) Meadows and her husband Corey along with their families, including special great grandsons Wesson, Hayes and Bowen Meadows, and lots of other family and friends.
The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice and their team of nurses and Chaplain Russell Hughes, for their caring touch over the past months. We also thank the many special family and friends assisted, including Kay West, Mike and Cathy Lessley, Edie and Danny Rogers, Kandi and Denny Johnson, Vida and Steve Spears.
Should you wish to honor John, the family requests that you take a moment to feed the birds. Donations in his memory can be sent to:
• Mission: Dignity PO Box 819109 Dallas TX 75381-9957 www.guidestone.org
• Cushing Animal Shelter Service to be held February 27th 11:00 am at Cushing Christian Church. The family will receive visitors in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
Services are under the direction of Matherly Davis Funeral Home in Cushing.
