Jack William Gladden |
| Posted 2009-07-09 by Sharla |
| The Wickenburg Sun dated July 8, 2009, Page A-7 Jack William Gladden, 79, died July 5 surrounded by friends after battling cancer. A celebration of his life will be held at Wickenburg Community Center on Sunday, July 12 at 2:30 p.m. Jack was born Feb. 6, 1930 to George and Ola Gladden in Checotah, Okla. He graduated from Checotah High School in 1948 and then attended Eastern Oklahoma State College for two years on a football scholarship. In 1951 Jack enlisted in the Air Force and went on to fight in the Korean War. Jack was known to say, "I talked three of my friends into enlisting with me, and to this day one of them still doesn't speak to me." After returning home, Jack went on to receive his teaching degree from Northeastern State College in 1955, where he later returned to complete his master's degree. The same year he left for war he married his high school sweetheart Adonna Ann Robinson, on July 9, 1951. They moved to Wickenburg in 1957 where he began his teaching career that lasted 30 years. At Wickenburg High School he taught Wood Shop, Drafting, P.E., and coached various sports. "Mr. Gladden" was a beloved teacher and helped shape many lives. After his retirement, Jack enjoyed many years of golf. Will Rogers once said, "I never met a man I didn't like." Just recently, a longtime friend of Jack's said, "I never met a man who didn't like Jack Gladden." Jack was preceded in death by brothers Murray, Otis, Britton, and Jay Roy, and sisters Ferral, Hazel, and Bobbie Jean. Jack is survived by his wife Adonna Ann; sons Michael (Barb) Gladden, Douglas Gladden, and Greg (Mary Jane) Gladden; sisters Alma Cupelli, Sallye Pierce, Jo DeLacretaz, and Judy Gladden; grandchildren Amie Kay (William) Huff, Travis (Gina) Gladden, Adam (April) Gladden, Serini Gladden, Melanie (Jeremiah) Gladden), Austin Gladden; great-grandchildren Jeremiah, Carson, Jackson, Kade, and Bailey; and close family friends Eddie and Laura Nasser, Alisa Ironside, Leslie Martin, and their families. A scholarship fund has been established in memory of Jack Gladden. Contributions may be sent to Eastern Oklahoma State College Foundation, 1304 W. Main, Wilburton OK 74578. Arrangements are under the direction of David's Desert Chapel Funeral Home of Wickenburg. See Also: Find a Grave |
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