Jean Anthis

Jean Black Anthis Jean Black Anthis passed away in Muskogee June 9, 2026 at the age of 94. She was born in Lawton, OK to Owen and Nona Black, was blessed with a younger brother Owen, and attended Longfellow Grade School in Muskogee. Her future husband Robert began his courtship at Longfellow with poetry, and a hand drawn picture of him flying both of them in his airplane which later came true. Jean was a popular redhead and spent several years in the Philippines, which she loved, before moving back to Muskogee. After graduation from Central High School in 1949 she attended Stephens College and learned to play organ before graduating from the University of Oklahoma, majoring in languages. Next for her came joyful stewardess work with American Airlines, routing between Dallas and Mexico City. She left the airline after Robert won her affection, and in 1954 after his graduation from the United States Military Academy, they married. Against her mother-in-law’s wishes because she had five children, she took flying lessons and obtained her private pilot’s license. As an Army wife, Jean lived in 13 different military posts before retiring to Muskogee. Jean and Robert engaged with St. Paul Church, the family land business, family, and friends. Their home hosted children and grandchildren, visiting Army friends, and provided swimming, mowing, and even garden weeding opportunities. Her most valuable asset was her faith in God, which was especially manifested in her family through her example. After returning to Muskogee, she cared for her parents who lived next door, and over time she was blessed with an extended family that grew to 79 descendants including spouses. She is survived by her five children, twenty-one grandchildren, and thirty-three great- grandchildren with four more on the way. Son Stan Anthis (Cathy) of Muskogee; daughters Carolyn Laughlin (Jeff) of Overland Park, KS; Susan Kretzer (Dan) of Broken Arrow; Janet Harmon (Tim) of Overland Park, KS; and son Steve Anthis (Angela) of Winston-Salem, NC. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Karen Faszold (Jeremy): Frederick, Priscilla, and Theodore; Kevin Anthis (Jessica): Elliot, Elloise, Everett, and Ellaine; Kristen Anthis; Carla Anthis-Jon (Ethan): Adelaide; Sarah King (Eric): Chloe; Jessica Stevens (Jordan): Lily, Isabelle, Ben, Emma, and River; Jeffrey Laughlin (Annie): Evelyn, James, Abigail, and Elizabeth; Jacob Laughlin (Jillaine); Anna Belknap (Jonathan): Ava, Theodore, and Tucker; John Erik Laughlin; Paul Kretzer; Elizabeth Hilburn (Dennis): Henry; Quentin Harmon (Jessica): Knox, Mackenzie, and Jacques; Sean Harmon (Mindy): Summer, Wes, Laura Jean, Kate, and June; Forrest Harmon (Sashka): Antony and Katya; Holly Harmon; Ben Harmon; Bret Anthis; Carson Anthis (Grace); Addie Anthis. The family is very grateful for Jean’s caretakers, including the folks at Carter Healthcare and Hospice who were exceptional, and especially the dedicated and loving care of family friend Pat Henington. A celebration of Jean’s life will be at 10AM, Monday, June 15, 2026 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Rev. Dylan Ward officiating. A private interment will follow.

Jean Anthis

June 25, 1931 - June 9, 2026