John Martin Kirk

John Martin Kirk, 93, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024. He was born on June 27, 1931 to Francis Maudina (Hobbs) Ousley. He was raised by his mother and grandparents, John and Rebecca Hobbs. John graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1949. He married the love of his life, Mary Ann Youngblood, on March 5, 1951in Van Buren, Arkansas. They shared over 73 years of life, marriage and many memories together. John earned a battlefield commission in the Korean War, a war in which he began as a mere Private in the 279th regiment of the 45th Infantry Division. During that time, he rose to the rank of Master Sergeant, and retired from the service as a Second Lieutenant of the United States Army. After returning to his home, Johnny went on to work for his uncle as a truck driver, which would eventually turn into a very successful trucking company. He retired from the trucking business at the age of 62 in 1991. He was extremely proud of his 50-year working relationship with Shawnee Milling Company and the Ford family. John enjoyed golfing after retirement and was a member of the Muskogee Country Club. He was a member of the Holiday Ramblers Travel Club and enjoyed traveling in his motor home. He was also a member of the HRRVC, Chapter 96, Indian Nations Ramblers, Masonic Lodge as a 32nd Degree Mason, VFW and American Legion. John served in numerous leadership positions in the HRRVC through the years, culminating as the National President from 1994-1995. John was a devoted Christian and was a faithful member of Muskogee First Baptist Church. He was a Deacon at Bethel Baptist Church for many years. He loved his family very much and was very proud of all of their accomplishments in life. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. John was preceded in death by his mother, Francis Ousley; and his grandparents, John Martin Hobbs and Rebecca Jane Hobbs. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Kirk of the home; daughter, Cindy Stroud and husband Mike of Tulsa, OK; son Mike Kirk and wife Debbie of Muskogee, OK; grandchildren, Cliff Johns of Broken Arrow, OK, Chloe Johns Byler and husband Shane of Tulsa, OK, Cory Kirk of Broken Arrow, OK, and Madison George and husband Craig of Broken Arrow, OK; and many other family members and friends. A celebration of John’s life will be 12:30 P.M., at Fort Gibson National Cemetery with Randy Shaddox officiating.

John Martin Kirk

June 27, 1931 - July 18, 2024