John Milkeraitis

John Milkeraitis

 January 26, 1948 – April 21, 2025

John Milkeraitis, age 77, of Clinton, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday night, April 21, 2025, at Integris Baptist Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City.

John was born on January 26, 1948, to Emil and Martha Milkeraitis in a concentration camp in Germany. His early life was marked by resilience and faith. He was raised in the Oak Lawn area of Chicago and later moved to Michigan, where he graduated from Allegan High School in Allegan, Michigan.

After high school, John was drafted into the United States Army and honorably served his country. Following his military service, he moved to Alaska and found success in carpet sales, quickly becoming a top salesman, also while in Alaska he attended two different Bible Colleges.

In 1980, John made his home in Clinton, Oklahoma. It was there he met and married the love of his life, JoAnn Fairchild, on October 26, 1985. Once in Western Oklahoma, John began a long and successful career in the oilfield industry. He was most recently employed by Reed Tool Company, where he again rose to the top as one of the state's leading drill bit salesmen. Over the years, he also worked with S & T Oilfield Services and Moran Equipment, primarily in flowback operations. John retired in March of 2020 during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.

John had a zest for life and a heart for people. He was a fixture at the monthly Presbyterian Men’s Prayer Breakfast and was known for cycling from Clinton to Weatherford and back every Saturday. A gifted athlete in his younger years, he loved racquetball and stayed active throughout his life. He especially loved cooking and feeding others—sharing meals was truly his love language. He welcomed everyone with open arms and never missed an opportunity to tell someone about the love of the Lord, whether they were ready to hear it or not. He prayed for everyone he met and was known for his gentle, kind spirit.

John and JoAnn faithfully served in ministry for 17 years, beginning at Faith Christian Fellowship Church in Clinton, then at Servants Heart Church in Weatherford, later at HOST Ministries in Clinton, and most recently at TheEDGE Church, John also taught at FCF Bible College.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Emma Milkeraitis, and his cousin Martha.

He is survived by his devoted wife, JoAnn of the home; his children, Wes Milkeraitis and wife Krystal of Weatherford, Rachel Milkeraitis and wife Princess of Yukon, and James Milkeraitis and his girlfriend Olivia Branscum of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his sister Gerda Detweiler and husband Gene of Michigan, his brother Ray Milkeraitis of Missouri, and his beloved grandchildren: Jai’zon Brooks, De’Ondre Grisham, Wrigley Milkeraitis, Soldier Milkeraitis, and Ra’Ella Milkeraitis.

A celebration of life will be held in John’s honor, 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the EDGE Church, with a meal to follow.  Cremation was In care of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home.