Jack Nelson Reddick

Jack Nelson Reddick was born to Woodrow Reddick and Lois Cothran Reddick on December 30, 1942 in the Beaver County Memorial Hospital. He was raised on the family farm Southwest of Beaver with his older sister, Sandy, and his younger brother, Mike. Woodrow and Lois instilled Jack with a work ethic that lasted throughout his fruitful life.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Lois, his brother, Mike, his sister-in-law, Carol Joan Neufeld Reddick, his brother-in-law, Ray Turner, his brother-in-law, James Earl Smith, and his nephews, Todd Turner and Thad Turner.

Jack is survived by his only wife, Mary Lou, his boys, Ryan Delayne and Mark Alan.

Jack attended school and graduated from Balko High School. He played football, basketball and baseball with his classmates. These sports sparked a love of competition that he enjoyed through his years. He graduated from high school in 1961 and thereafter attended college at Northwest Oklahoma State University. He graduated from college in 1965 with an Education degree.

Jack married his only wife, Mary Lou Turner, on August 24, 1964 at the Methodist Church in Beaver, Oklahoma. Fresh from college they each took teaching jobs in Leoti, Kansas.

Jack taught one year before he enlisted in the United States Army. He served for three years, successfully completed Officers Candidate School and served a one year tour in the Republic of Vietnam. He achieved the rank of Captain. Jack said his time in the Army had more impact on him than almost any other experience.

Upon his return from Vietnam Jack and Mary Lou resumed teaching and started a family. Their first son, Ryan Delayne, was born August 1, 1971. Shortly after his birth the family moved to the farm Southwest of Beaver where Jack would live for 45 years. Their second son, Mark Alan, was born on July 10, 1973.

Jack taught school and coached at Beaver Schools for 20 years. His heart was always in his coaching. In addition to teaching he farmed, raised cattle and cut hay until he and Mary Lou moved to Beaver in 2018.

Jack loved new baby calves, spring rain, and fresh cut alfalfa. He reveled in the small, unexpected achievements of his ballplayers and students. Gambling thrilled him particularly a pair of hot dice on the craps table. Long views of the vast country in the Oklahoma Panhandle awed him to an unusual silence.

He leaves behind a legacy of joy and kindness. He would encourage each of you to find happiness in the small miracles of every day people and every day life. He would also encourage each of you to love one another selflessly and endeavor to treat the lonely, lost and abused with a kindness that will last beyond today.