John William Wohlford III

John William Wohlford, III was born on July 19, 1951, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Lena Annabelle (Shockley) and John William Wohlford, II. One of nine siblings, he grew up in a lively household and went on to graduate from Park Hill High School in 1970.

Following graduation, John proudly served his country by joining the United States Air Force. During his time in the military, he attended Southern Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in science. His dedication and hard work led him to the rank of Master Sergeant, and after more than 20 years of service, he retired from the USAF. Not one to remain idle, John continued his career in aviation, working for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After five years overseas, he returned to the United States and took on a role as an aircraft mechanic for the civil service at Altus Air Force Base, where he worked for 17 years before retiring once again.

John’s passion for sports was displayed through many years of participating in football, baseball, and basketball during his years in high school and continued throughout his career in the USAF. John remained embedded in athletics when he became an officiant for local high schools’ softball and basketball games. John took enormous pride in coaching many of his children’s little league teams. Always making sure trophies were provided to the entire team win or lose. 

John was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Sandra, whom he married in 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together, they shared 28 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventure. On January 30, 2025, John passed away peacefully with Sandra by his side. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his country, his expertise in aviation, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John William, II and Lena (Shockley) Wohlford; and sisters, Dorothy Linebaugh and Judy Baker. Left to cherish John’s memory is his loving wife, Sandra Wohlford; sons; John Wohlford and Jacob Wohlford; daughters; Jennifer Patrick, Rebecca Martinez, Leslie Carter, Robin McQueen, and Jessica Wohlford; brothers, Albert Wohlford and Donald Wohlford; sisters, Ardelle Wiene, Carolyn Marshall, Mary Yoder, and Jo Kitchens; best friends, Kevin and Christine Davenport; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at Kincannon Memorial Chapel, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Doug Altom officiating. Burial will immediately follow at the Altus City Cemetery with full military honors rendered by the Blue Knights Honor Guard of Altus Air Force Base. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com. The service livestream may be viewed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczODYyNzUyODM0ODI5NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==.