John William Stottman, Sr.

John William Stottman

1931-2014

John William Stottman Sr. died August 11, 2014 at Mercy Hospital from complications from a fall.

He was born in Chickasha, OK to Henry and Otilla Stottman. He owned retail businesses in both Oklahoma and Arkansas, and retired in 1995. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Anna, Rose, Florence, George and Henry. John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Margaret; Daughter, Cindy Drake and husband John of Dallas, TX; son, John Stottman Jr. and wife Kathy of Russellville, AR; grandchildren; Matthews Drake and wife Megan of Tomball, TX, Emily Base and husband Eric of Dallas, TX, and Jackson Buchanan of Dallas, TX, Heather Leann Stottman of Corsicana, TX, Jennifer Stottman of Dardanelle, AR and John Stottman III and wife Melissa of Russellville, AR. Great grandchildren; Mason and Merritt Drake, Ryan Base and John IV and Samantha Stottman and siblings, Mary Eakins, Paul Stottman and Jerry Stottman and wife Pam.

John graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in Chickasha, OK in 1949. He was valedictorian of his class. He went on to work for TG&Y variety stores for many years which took him to stores in OK, TX, KS, and TN. John took great pride in how efficiently and quickly he could open a new store. He later went to work for Butler Brother’s and was a sales representative for Ben Franklin Variety Stores. He traveled all over AR and eventually purchased his own Ben Franklin Store in Ozark, AR. John was involved in the rotary club as well as other civic organizations. He was an active member of his church. Life took John to Oklahoma City in the early 70’s and there he opened the Odds and Ends Store. He owned several other stores in Oklahoma City and Springdale, AR. He continued to be involved in civic organizations, and was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church since 1979.

John and wife, Margaret enjoyed almost 41 years of marriage watching children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren grow. Family and friends were an important part of John’s life. He was a wonderful Christian example for his children to model.

John loved to tell stories, make up funny rhymes and tell joke after joke. When you were with him you were laughing. You were always made to feel special because he made up jingles about you. He also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and watching westerns.

John never forgot any one he met. He had a gift of remembering people and the circumstances of their meeting. He was a wealth of information about people, places and history. He knew something about everything. This always amazed the grandchildren!

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer a donation be made to HEROES, 101 S. Coit Rd, St 36-348, Richardson, TX 75080 or Friendship Community Care, Attn: Theresa White – Donations, PO Box 2109. Russellville, AR 72811, both programs for children with special needs. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, Sat. Aug. 16, 11 A.M