John Byron Mahan

Funeral services for John Byron Mahan, 81, of Skiatook, OK, were held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Chapel in Sperry, OK. Pastor Glenn Cooley and Pastor Hermon Wood officiated.

John was born March 2, 1944, in Skiatook, OK, to John Albert Mahan and Doris Leneave (Haddock) Mahan. He passed away on December 16, 2025, in Skiatook, OK.

John dedicated his life to hard work, faith, and family. He began his career with Oklahoma Natural Gas, often saying it was the best job he ever had, before continuing on to American Airlines, where he served as a Quality Assurance Auditor. After 39 years, John retired, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and commitment.

In his free time, John enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved going fishing and could often be found playing Free Cell solitaire, always determined to beat his own score and make it onto the front score page. He especially treasured the many years spent remodeling homes alongside his best friend of more than 50 years, Hermon Wood. John also enjoyed attending auctions and “junking,” watching the History Channel, westerns, and action movies, container gardening, and shopping at T.J. Maxx—fondly referred to by John as “T.G. Maxxy.” A man of strong faith, John was passionate about spreading the word of God and feeding the homeless, often humbly saying, “But for the grace of God, there go I.” Above all else, he cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their sporting events whenever he could. Family gatherings were made even more special by John’s love of smoking meat and sharing his famous homemade barbecue sauce.

John’s generous heart, steadfast faith, and unwavering love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Carolyn (Price) Mahan; children, Kellie Kittrell and husband, Gene, Tonya Lester, John P. Mahan, and Karen Seago and husband, Jimmy; grandchildren, Doug Kittrell, Kelsy Williamson and husband, Chuck, Tyson Lester and wife, Ava, Jordan Schubert and husband, Shawn, Casen Lester, and Alexi Hodson and fiancé, Kayden Howe, great-grandchildren, Kinsley Kittrell, Addyson Clemmons, Kenna Clemmons, Bentley Hodson, Sutton Howe, and Jenson Lester; sisters, Beverly Humphrey, Pat Hendrix and husband, Dale, Katie Adams, and Judy Cryder and husband, Kenneth; a host of nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

John was known as “Dad” to multiple generations – children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, as well as their friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Dee Mahan; parents, John A. and Doris Mahan; aunt, Louise Blocker) Haddock; uncle, Carl “Red” Haddock; and son-in-law, Dean Lester.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.