John W. Sandlin

Funeral Service for John W. Sandlin, 87, of Vian, Oklahoma will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Blackgum Harvestime Church in Vian, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Box Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Surrounded by his loving family John entered Heavens gates April 15, 2022 at his home in the Blackgum Community. John was born August 9, 1934 in Chavies, Kentucky to John and Nanny McKnight-Sandlin. He was the 5th child of 9 children. John came to Oklahoma when he was 12 years old with his family who settled in the Blackgum Community where John still lived on the family home place until God called him home. John served in the United States Army joining May 15, 1957 receiving his honorable hardship discharge related to the death of his mother August 12, 1965. While in service he received sharpshooter, expert rifle M-14 and good conduct medals. He purchased the family home place from his mother and other siblings while still in the Army. Upon returning home John began his journey as a responsible adult, always working hard to support his family.

John married Carol Lowe and this marriage lasted 9 years. To this union John was blessed with a son, Randy, and a daughter, Jenny. John then met and married the love of his life, Helen Railey McKinney, on February 14, 1981. He was then blessed with 3 bonus children, Eugene, LaTricia and Kimberley McKinney who loved him dearly. John was loved and respected by all who knew him for his unwavering willingness to help anyone who needed help.

John leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife of 41 years of shared memories, Helen; his son, Randy Sandlin and wife, Tammy, of Blackgum, OK; his daughter, Jenny Brooks and husband, Gary, of Vian, OK; his bonus daughters, LaTricia Simpson and Charles of Washington and Kimberley Morris of Blackgum, OK; grandchildren, Derek Locust and Chelsey, Travis Sandlin and Myakala, Jake Sandlin and Megan, Tressa Sandlin, William Morris, all of Blackgum, OK, Tre’ Locust and Fontana of Muldrow, OK, Crystal Simpson-Stinchfield and April of Washington and Chaz Simpson of Nevada; great-grandchildren, Reid Locust, Easton Locust, Sawyer Locust, Luke Sandlin, Thomas Sandlin, Rachel Sandlin and Charlie Mosel, all of Blackgum, OK, Kimber Locust of Muldrow, OK, Bailey Simpson-Stinchfield of Washington and 2 more on the way, John Riley Sandlin and one yet to be named; his former son-in-law, Les Locust and Jenel of Blackgum, OK; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; bonus son, Eugene; bonus daughter, Gayla; brothers, Leroy and LD; sisters, Bea, Levita, Florence, Ann and twins, Janice and Joyce.

Active Pallbearers will be Derek Locust, Travis Sandlin, Tre’ Locust, Jake Sandlin, William Morris and Tressa Sandlin.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Bob Risley, Gill Risley, Dwayne Smith, Tony Yates, Larry Bolin, Dennis Cordray, Les’ Locust, Jr. and Bobby Chrystler.

Viewing will be 10 AM – 8 PM Wednesday at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, OK where the family will greet 6 – 8 PM.