J.B. Ramsey

J.B. Ramsey, 82, of Glencoe passed peacefully from this life on January 1, 2016 after a brief illness. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home and a graveside service celebrating his life will be held on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at 2pm at the Newkirk Cemetery. Public visitation will be held from 9am to 8pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home at 5106 N. Washington. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday evening.


J.B. Ramsey was born on July 11, 1933 in Kildare, OK to William Josiah and Lois Purnie (Noteware) Ramsey. He grew up NE of Newkirk, OK along the banks of the Arkansas River. He attended schools in Newkirk, graduating from Newkirk High School in 1953. Shortly after graduation, J.B. married his high school sweetheart Shirley Lou Graham. J.B. and Shirley had three wonderful children and remained inseparable until her passing in 2011. J.B. was drafted into the US Army in late 1953 and he headed to basic training at Fort Chaffee before being stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He served his nation honorably as a Sergeant in the motor pool division until his discharge from service in December of 1955.

J.B. returned to Newkirk and began a career as a truck driver. He spent several years working for Glass Trucking before relocating to Pampa, TX for a couple of years to drive for Halliburton. In 1960, he returned to Newkirk where he again worked for Glass Trucking. In the mid 60s, J.B. spent several years working as a road foreman for Bliss Mfg before accepting a position as the foreman for the Blackwell smelter, a job he enjoyed until its closing in 1973. He spent the next 7 yrs working as a shop foreman for the Waldorf Manufacturing Company in Ark City, KS. In 1981 the Ramsey family relocated to Stillwater and in 1983 they settled in Glencoe, where J.B. would reside until his passing.

Anyone who knew J.B. Ramsey knew that his faith served as the cornerstone of his life. He was active in each church he attended, often playing his guitar and singing during services. He was also a part of a ministry team that traveled the area preaching and playing gospel music. In 1980, J.B. felt the Lord calling him into full-time ministry. Over the next two decades, J.B. pastored several different Pentecostal church congregations in the Stillwater area and subsidized his income by working part-time with the maintenance team at Ditch Witch in Perry.

J.B retired from full-time ministry in 2003 and began attending River of Life and Calvary Assembly of God. Retirement allowed him more time to play music, raised his donkeys and chickens, and garden. After Shirleys passing in 2011, J.B. married Margaret Casey, adding several more children and grandchildren to his loving family. J.B. and Maggie enjoyed traveling and attending Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he always enjoyed their worship service. J.B. also enjoyed studying his Bible, completing various woodworking projects, and spending time around his kids and grand kids. He was a generous and easy going man who always put the needs of others before his own. J.B. was a trusted source for honest advice and his smile and friendly demeanor could brighten even the darkest of days. He will surely be missed by everyone whose life he touched and his legacy of faith and kindness will live on through the lives of those he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife and best friend Shirley Lou Ramsey, a sister Karen Anderson, a brother Robert Ramsey, and an infant brother Rex Ramsey. J.B. is survived by his wife Margaret Casey Ramsey of the home. Three children: John Ramsey and wife Cindy of Sapulpa, Audrey Luann Wright and husband Donnie of Morrison, and Janet Divall and husband Frank of Stillwater. Two step daughters: Rachel Araiza of North Carolina and Rebekah Easton of New Mexico. A brother Raymond Ramsey of Ponca City and a sister Colleen Butler of Panhandle, TX. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made in J.Bs. name to the American Cancer Society of to Judith Karman Bristol Hospice in care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home 5106 N. Washington, Stillwater, OK 74075

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guest book at www.pmcfh.com