John Jack Barta

John J. Barta

1922-2015

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, John J. (Jack) Barta, 92, went home to the Lord on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, due to age-related illnesses. Born in Wynona, Oklahoma, Jack was the youngest of four children of John and Myrtle Barta. His family spent the Depression years in Wynona where, he once wrote, he learned to be content with what you have. In the tenth grade, Jack moved with his family to Tulsa and attended Central High School. In 1940, he was a member of the first graduating class of Will Rogers High School. Following graduation, he spent time in the construction business with his father and brother.

In August 1942, Jack reported to Aviation Cadet School in San Antonio, Texas. Thus began a very distinguished, 33-year career in the Army Air Corps—later the U.S. Air Force. His career included service as a fighter pilot in WWII and the Korean War. He reached the rank of full colonel and was recognized often for his dedicated service to his country.

On October 24, 1947, Jack married the love of his life, Jane Love, in Tulsa. Through the years, they were blessed with three daughters, Becky, Barbee, and Beverly, whom he described as his bundles of pride and joy.

Following WWII, Jack graduated from Tulsa University in 1949 with a B.S. in Business Administration. He earned his M.S. degree in Industrial Administration while stationed in Ohio.

Jack’s military assignments included time in Georgia, Japan, Hawaii, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, the Pentagon in Virginia, and Utah, before bringing him back to Tinker AFB in Oklahoma where he retired in 1975.

Following retirement, they settled in Edmond where Jack spent the next 37 years seeking new challenges and pursuing his own business interests. With traveling very much a part of their lives, Jack and Jane visited several foreign countries, all 50 U.S. states, and many national parks where they often spent time with their daughters, sons in law and grandchildren. Their visit to the Air Force Memorial in Washington DC in 2009 was one of his most memorable trips.

As a founding member of the Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Jack devoted much time to his faith and to the growth of the church. He was admired and well loved by many of its members, whom he considered his Oklahoma family.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, John and Myrtle, brother Joe, and sister Geraldine. Survivors include Jane, his wife of 67 years; daughters Becky (Jerry) and grandson Randy (Krista), Barbee (Brad), and Beverly (Jim) and grandsons Jason and Jordan; sister Nora; brother-in-law Bill; niece and nephews Kele, Stan, Steve, and Joseph and their families.

Jack was a dedicated husband, father, grand-father, and friend, and, although we miss him terribly, we know the Lord is taking care of him in Heaven. His family thanks the staff of the long-term care unit at Epworth Villa Suzanna Wesley Center and Household 3 and the staff of Epworth at Home-Hospice for the compassion, kindness and grace they showed him while in he was their care.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. at The Brill Chapel at Epworth Villa, 14901 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, in Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Memorial Park in Oklahoma City. Arrangements are made through Matthews Funeral Home of Edmond.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to the Faith Bible Church Building Fund, 600 N. Coltrane, Edmond, OK, 73034, or to the veterans’ charity of your choice.