Funeral services for Jack Eugene Avant, 95, of Sperry, OK, will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Community of Christ Church in Sperry, OK. Apostle Roger Tracy officiated and burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Casket Bearers are Aaron Avant, Marc Juby, Josh Drybread, Lonnie Basse, Jack Drybread, and Bryce Juby. Honorary casket bearers are Bill Citty, Larry Doerr, and Brent Smith.

Jack was born at his home in Sperry, Oklahoma on February 18, 1930, to James and Florence Avant. He ascended to live with the angels and his beloved wife, Sara Jane Avant, on February 12, 2026, just shy of his 96th birthday.

Jack attended Sperry schools and graduated in 1948. He was not a stellar student as his children learned after discovering his report cards tucked away in the attic. But, oh boy did he have motivation and vision to succeed at whatever he did! Growing up very poor, Jack was determined to be successful and provide for his family. An avid Sperry Schools supporter, Jack attended many school events, served on the school board for 12 years and provided financial support to future Sperry graduates. Jack and Sara were named Outstanding Alums!

After high school graduation, Jack attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, then graduating from Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, OK. Jack later wrote that the decade of the 1950’s was “by far the most exciting decade of my life – I am out of school,- I go to the Army – I become an Army pilot – I get married – I go to Germany – I become a father twice – It was a great 10 years.” Dad said that he married Sara Jane because she was a great girl, had initiative and was tall… because he wanted tall kids! "They loved each other and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June 2023."

Jack and Sara returned to the United States in 1956 and were stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO., for a brief period until Jack went to work for National Gypsum as a sales representative. In 1957 Jack and Sara moved back to Sperry and bought the town grocery store! He needed a better job to provide for his growing family, so he became a sales representative for Cain’s coffee which he later wrote “was probably the hardest work he did as an adult!”

In the fall of 1958, after his sister’s death, Jack became guardian of his wonderful nephews Billy and Roger Tracy. In the blink of an eye at the age of 28, Jack now had a family of six. He persevered working and caring for his growing family.

Always one for working side-hustles, Jack earned his real-estate brokers license, and his real estate career began along with a full-time gypsum sales rep job. Jack began buying real estate, building commercial and residential properties and developing areas for housing additions. On the side, he was a cattleman, oil well driller, etc.

In 1961 Jack joined the 45th Aviation Company, 45th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard. He began attending weekend duty in Norman and was quickly promoted to Captain. He spent two weeks every summer at Fort Chafee in Arkansas so one weekend during the middle became our summer vacation! Jack flew planes and helicopters and sometimes landed the helicopter in the field at our home west of Sperry. Sam and I would run through that field in our church clothes and hop aboard. I’m sure that couldn’t be done now, so please don’t tell anyone! He served in the Army National Guard until 1973, leaving with a full military retirement. He would write someday that the Army taught him more about life and being successful than anything. He wrote: “I give credit to the Army for whatever success I’ve had. I learned orderliness, discipline, that failure is not acceptable, and that you are to devise a way to achieve success”

Jack dearly loved his grandchildren! Much to mom’s dismay, he loved to be the first one to pick up the grandbabies from their cribs in the morning or after their nap. So, sometimes she would hear him waking them up so he could carry them into the kitchen! He attended many of their events and supported and encouraged them. Always interested in their activities, college, friends, careers.

Jack also loved his many nieces and nephews. We remember his many talks with Billy and Roger over the years and his desire to help them succeed. Which they did!!! Again, always greeting the nieces and nephews with a big smile and supporting them in life. Some spent summers with them and Dad became a huge part of their lives. And, to this day, when one of them say, “Uncle Jack”…. You can hear the love and joy in their voices. He was funny, witty, extremely intelligent and everyone wanted to be around him and visit.

Jack loved to stay busy and felt that being productive was key to happiness. You may remember some of his hobbies and may have received some of his work as gifts. He went through a leather works period when we all received purses, wallets, belts, etc. Then he went through a picture frame making phase and we all received enlarged photos framed in varnished wood frames. He, grandad, the uncles and nephews headed out to the 40 acres on many a day to fish or shoot snakes and frogs.

Dad believed that the early bird catches the worm but needs a nap every afternoon! While we were in high school, Dad would rise around 4:00 a.m. to work on his side hustles and prepare for the day. I started getting up early too so that I could visit with him and that’s when I began my coffee addiction. Dad always told us to have a back-up plan and an ace in the hole. If there was a tough day he would always say, “tomorrow always brings a better day.”

After retiring, Dad began the Coffee Shop years! Every morning, he would head out to the “Round Table” to visit with his buddies. My husband was invited to go along when we were in town and still talks about what an honor it was to be invited to the Coffee Shop!

Dad coached our teams and attended all our activities. FRIENDS AND COUSINS LOVED HIM! He would tease us and greeted us with a great big welcoming smile. He had nicknames for many: Samel, Snicklefritz, Susan Burger, Marker, Billy T., Rowger, Slim, Chrissy Lou, LarryBo, P.A., A.J., Aubie, Ryan Jack (everyone should have Jack as a middle name).

Once Dad told me that Sam was his best friend. Once Sam told me that Dad was his best friend. He kissed us good night every night and told us he loved us. He wrote us cherished notes and letters after we left home.

Dad was an independent thinker but was a regular attendee at the Community of Christ Church in Sperry. He referred to Communion Sunday as Refreshment Sunday and would ask for two servings for extra measure!

After their children started college, Jack and Sara began traveling throughout the United States and taking cruises with beloved friends. Jack loved the winters spent in Alamo, Texas, at the Royal Palms Retirement Village. There, he and Sara made many friends and participated in numerous fun activities including card games and bingo.

Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Sara Avant, parents, James and Florence Avant, brothers Robert, Thomas and Roger (Bud) Avant and sisters Alma and Imogene.

He is survived by his son, Sam Avant and wife Lou Ann. Daughter, Susan Citty and husband Bill. Granddaughter, Aubra Drybread and husband Josh. Grandson, Aaron Avant, and granddaughter, Ryan McNitt. Great grandchildren, Rylee Houston and Jack and Ellie Drybread.

Arrangements and services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry. Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.

Memorial donations in Jack's memory may be made to:

Cliff & Helen Grace Herrington - Sperry Schools Foundation

c/o Jack and Sara Avant Scholarship Fund

PO Box 876

Sperry, OK 74073