John Mack Pursell was born on October 22, 1933, to John Russell and Neva Lorene (McKee) Pursell; he passed peacefully on October 11, 2024 at the age of 90 years.
John — also known to many as Mack — was born in his grandparents’ farmhouse in Cashion, Oklahoma. His grandma McKee delivered him. He graduated from Cashion High School in1951. He completed a BS in Agriculture Education 1956 and an MS in Education 1957 at Oklahoma A&M. He earned a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University in 1978.
John had a distinguished career as a school administrator. He left lasting legacies in Rosamond, CA, Medford, OK, and Cushing, OK. He was a member of the First Christian Churches of Medford and Cushing OK. He was at various times a member of the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and Rotary Clubs in the towns where he worked.
John loved to farm. Pretty much while still in diapers his grandpa McKee taught him to cut wheat. He took great pride in his flowers at his homes, which all the neighbors have admired over the years. John is survived by Becky ,his wife of 32 years; son, Tim Pursell; stepson, Jason Hazelton and wife, Lauri, and stepdaughter Angela Earp and husband, Wyatt; brother, Joe Pursell and wife, Patricia; brother, Terry Pursell; sister-inlaw, Gayle Pursell; grandchildren, Michelle Pursell, Russell Pursell; Kelsey Boyd and husband, Rick; Connor Pursell and wife, Bianca; Jalie Conklin and husband, Nathan; Sampson Hazelton; and Jenah Thanscheit and husband, Tyler; three great-grandchildren by Kelsey Boyd (Harrison, Harper and Hadley), two great-grandchildren by Jalie Conklin (Braelynn and Finnley), and one great-grandchild by Jenah ( Kollyns); by a niece, Jocelyn; and many other relatives and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don Pursell and by his two sons, John Mitchell Pursell and Kelly Shane Pursell.
Memorial Services were held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 in the Matherly Davis Chapel.
Services are under the direction of Matherly Davis Funeral Home. You may share your condolences with the family at www.matherlydavisfuneralhome. com.
