Jack Dean Stout

Jack Dean Stout, 91, peacefully passed away on December 9, 2024. Jack was born on March 3, 1933, to Pauline and Raymond Stout in Arkansas City, KS. He grew up in Sperry, OK, where he had a herd of registered Ayrshire cows. Jack was an active FFA member in Skiatook High School. He was selected as an American Farmer in 1954, awarded to less than one percent of FFA members. After high school graduation, he moved his cows to Stillwater to attend Oklahoma A & M. He rented land, located near the original Highland Park School on Stallard Street, where he milked his cows, bottled milk and made home deliveries.

 In 1955, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Dairy Production. During that time, Jack also completed a three year bricklayer-stonemason apprenticeship from Tulsa Bricklayers Local No. 9 and Manhattan Construction Co. He helped with brick and stone work on the original Ag Hall building, the Chemistry building, the top of Edmond Low Library and later additions to the Student Union building. In August of 1957, he married Jodelle Landes, they moved to Tishomingo, OK. Jack was an instructor at Murray State College, a manager of Cooper Dairy Farms in Ardmore, OK, and a Dairy herd manager at the OSU Dairy Barn. He continued his education by earning a Master of Science Degree in Dairy production and a Doctorate of Education Degree in Animal Science.

Jack and “Jody” purchased a small acreage west of Stillwater in 1968. Under the guidance of Dale Weathers, they built a home. The Stout family was affectionately called “Jack and the nailbenders” He retired from the assistant professor position in the Extension Animal Science Department at OSU in 1995. In his retirement years, he served as the OSU Emeritus Bus Tour Director for 20 years. Jack and Jody were members of the 3M’s class at First Christian Church. They cherished their lifelong friendships developed there.

One of his favorite past times was being involved with 4-H club projects and activities. He encouraged his children Steve, Jill, and Bryan to work hard, stay committed and finish strong. He was gentle, kind, patient and always ready to lend a helping hand. 

The granddaughters lovingly called him “Opa”. He enjoyed being present at their events from dance and piano recitals, basketball and track, fair exhibits, and gave advice on science fair projects. “Opa” quietly imparted life skills through his wisdom and many life experiences. His biggest challenge as a supportive grandpa, was sitting through an OU graduation ceremony, enduring ‘that song’ played a thousand times, even on bagpipes! Jack enjoyed writing poems to Jodelle, and also for special family events. 

Jack is survived by wife, Jodelle Stout; son, Steve Stout of Stillwater, OK; daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Billy Halstead of Tulsa, OK; son and daughter-in-law, Bryan and Debi Stout of Wagoner, OK

6 granddaughters and husbands; Amy Hope of Olathe, KS; Kayla and Josh Watkins of Lenexa, KS; Rebekah and Stoker Williams of the Middle East; Hillary and Jake Garner of Benton, AR; Heather and Justin Hunter of Fayetteville, AR and BreAnna Garner of Muskogee, OK. There are 11 great grandchildren. Jack, Asa, and Klay Watkins, Mable Williams, Josie Garner, Anna, Ray, and Otto Hunter, Braxton, Broderick, and Bonnie Garner. Jack was preceded in death by his parents Pauline and Raymond Stout and step-mother Madeline Stout.

Jack Dean Stout; beloved husband and “Opa” will be missed.

Viewing will be held Saturday, December 21st, from 10am-12pm with family in attendance at First Christian Church 411 W. Matthews, Stillwater, OK. Funeral Service will be at 1pm.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.