It is with profound sorrow that the family of John Tapley Jordan announces his passing on February 13, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 88. John was a loving father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, and friend. John’s life was a testament to service, both to his country and to the family and friends whom he cherished above all.
John Tapley Jordan was born in Erick, Oklahoma, on November 18, 1937, to Marshall and Faye (Fitch) Jordan. John was the youngest of three children, being born only minutes after his fraternal twin, Jerry, which left his older sister Joella dealing with “double trouble”. John and his family have deep roots in land management, farming, and the American Hereford Association.
John graduated from Clinton High School in Oklahoma in 1956 and was an avid Red Tornado for life. He then attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree in 1960. During his college years, John also enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard Reserve to serve his country.
After college, John returned home to join Marshall and Faye in the family’s farming and ranching business. John ultimately secured a position with the Hereford Journal as a journalist and photographer, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. Additional jobs include working for Vermeer Bailers Company, which specialized in machinery for forming round bales, and eventually owning a post office and restaurant in Putnam, Oklahoma. After his parents’ passing, John stayed in Clinton and continued ranching and farming until retirement.
John met the love of his life, Judy (Stehr) Jordan in May of 1976 when Judy saw John at an auction. Judy pretended to be clueless about bidding on an air conditioning unit, and John, being John, helped her win the unit and happily installed it as well.
The two married on May 30, 1977, at the First United Methodist Church in Clinton, Oklahoma. John and Judy quickly settled down to raise their new family of five children in Clinton, Oklahoma.
John had many hobbies and interests throughout his life.
He was a passionate golfer and loved to visit golf courses on the many trips he and Judy took throughout the United States and Europe. John was also an avid golf club maker. His basement shop was always full of partially completed and finished clubs for family and friends alike. Besides golf and travel, John also tried his hand at raising ostriches and emus, which was a prime example of the adventures and experiences our family and friends share in their memories of John. John Tapley Jordan was a man whose life was defined by an unwavering kindness that left a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
At the very center of his world was his profound commitment to his faith, a guiding light that shaped his character and fueled his generous spirit.
John’s heart belonged first and foremost to his beloved wife, Judy, with whom he shared a lifetime of deep, enduring love. His legacy lives on through the family he adored, his children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, all of whom were the pride and joy of his life.
Whether he was offering a steady hand to a friend or sharing a quiet moment of wisdom, John’s warmth and devotion were constant. He will be remembered not just for the roles he filled, but for the genuine goodness he brought into the world every single day.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Faye and Marshall Jordan, of Clinton, Oklahoma; his sister, Joella (Jordan) Utley, of Spartanburg, SC; His daughter, Susan Jordan, of New York City, NY; His son, Derek Jordan, of Clinton, Oklahoma.
John is survived by his wife, Judy Jordan, his daughter Jamie Miller, her husband Louie, and daughter Carley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His son Tony Jordan, his wife Staci, son Jayden, and daughter Alicen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Derek Jordan’s daughter Ashtyn Armandariz, her husband Jacob, and daughter Charlie of Yukon, Oklahoma. Derek Jordan’s daughter Ryleigh Jordan, Kyle Wangsgard, their son Hudson, and daughter Lynnon of Yukon, Oklahoma.
John is also survived by his older twin brother Jerry Jordan, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
John’s final thoughts were about how much he loved his family and friends, and how grateful he was for the many years they spent together.
Though we mourn his passing, we are comforted knowing he is now reunited with loved ones.
Friends and family are invited to attend John’s memorial service on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 2:00pm at Clinton First United Methodist Church located at 1001 Frisco Ave, Clinton, OK 73601.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Clinton First United Methodist Church in memory of John Tapley Jordan.