J.D. Masters, of Stratford, Oklahoma, was born July 2, 1930, on an 80-acre farm near Asher, Oklahoma, to John D. and Myrtle (McPhearson) Masters. J.D. transitioned from this life early Tuesday morning in Sulphur, Oklahoma, on August 8, 2023, at the age of ninety-three years, one month and six days. He started school in Asher in the Cooper Grade School and graduated from Stratford High School with the class of 1946, being the youngest in his class. At the age of 18, J.D. found a job with C&W Construction Co. He was assigned to work in Heavener, Oklahoma, where he met Kathryn Pilkington, at a local cafe. Only after two months, J.D. and Kathryn married in Van Buren, Arkansas, on July 25, 1949. Two years later, their daughter Teresa was born. J.D. and Kathryn set their forever roots in Stratford. December 26, 1956, J.D. and Kathryn purchased a small store from his dad and mom. J.D. and Kathryn invested 67 years in the business. In addition to running the store J.D. enjoyed his cattle operation. In 2005, J.D. considered cutting his store hours from 16 a day to 12 hours a day seven days a week. J.D. thought retirement was an 80-hour work week. One of his best moments in life was when both granddaughters graduated from East Central University. J.D. found the people of Stratford to be the biggest assets, when in times of trouble, there is always someone around to help you. He has done his share of helping Stratford families by providing food and gas for families facing financial hardships during his 67 years of business. J.D. and Kathryn were selected in 2002 as Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ageless Heroes for healthy aging role models as Business Champions serving the Stratford community. Also he served on the Stratford Board of Education during Teresa’s high school days. He was kind and gentle and loved his family with all he had.
J.D is preceded by his parents, John and Myrtle Masters; wife, Kathryn; granddaughter, Meredith Marquard; brother, John T. Masters Jr.; and sisters, Wilma Wood and Hester Wise.
Left to carry on are his daughter, Teresa Marquard and husband, Bill; granddaughter, Meresa Ann Clark and husband, Josh; two great-grandchildren, Carson and Addison Owens, all of Stratford; brother-in-law, Mick Pilkington and wife, Kathy, of Heavener, Oklahoma; a host of nieces and nephews; and many friends and business acquaintances.
Visitation was held Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 4 to 7 p.m., in DeArman Funeral Home, Stratford.
Services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, August 11, 2023, in the Free Will Baptist Church, Stratford, Oklahoma, with Rev. Lewis Perry officiating.
