John Daniel Toolate, Johnny as he was known to his family and friends, joined his heavenly father on October 2, 2025 at the age of 74. Johnny was born in Claremore, Oklahoma on May 24, 1951 to Daniel “Buster� and Mabel Mae (Rogers) Toolate.



Johnny grew up in the south Oklahoma City Community, attending grade school at Shields Heights Elementary, then on to Capitol Hill Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating from high school in 1969. Johnny was an outstanding student and athlete playing baseball. At an early age, Johnny honed his skills and as he reached junior and senior high school, he joined the football team. He lettered in both sports, an honorable Redskin forever.



After graduation, Johnny enrolled at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami, Oklahoma, where he pursued his general education studies and played on the baseball team.



In 1971, Johnny felt called to serve his country. He enlisted in the U.S.A.F. during the Vietnam War, and served as an Air Cargo Specialist. He was honorably discharged in 1975 with the rank of Sergeant. Upon Johnny’s return to the states, he enrolled at Central State University (UCO) in Edmond, Oklahoma. As Johnny explored his major opportunities, he felt called to Funeral Service field. He quickly completed the required courses and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Funeral Service in 1977.



For over 30 years, Johnny served in many communities throughout Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City, where he worked for Capitol Hill Funeral Home, Hunter Funeral Home, Smith & Kernke Funeral Home and the Vondel L. Smith Funeral Homes. While he lived in Tulsa, he worked at Moore Funeral Homes and while living in Jay, Oklahoma, he worked for the Lawson Funeral Home. He also worked as a funeral director in the community of Bella Vista, Arkansas for a time. Wherever Johnny worked, he was known for his willingness to serve others. Johnny's outgoing personality combined with his technical skills brought comfort to many families who had experienced a loss.



Johnny made countless friends and built longtime relationships over the course of his career. He was a member of South Lindsay Baptist Church for many years and he also attended Camille Avenue Baptist Church. At both churches, Johnny was active in multiple men’s ministries throughout the years and immensely enjoyed the fellowship of his church family.



An avid, competitive golfer and fisherman, whenever Johnny had a free moment you could likely find him at the golf course or his favorite fishing hole. He also raised and trained horses preparing them for sales. In the early 2000's, Johnny retired from funeral service industry. Known for not being one who could sit still for very long, Johnny was presented with an opportunity to work in the shipping and receiving department for Boardman Steel in Oklahoma City, a position he quickly accepted. Sadly in September of 2002, Johnny suffered a massive stroke and was forced to finally leave the workforce. Johnny touched the hearts and souls of many throughout his journey on this earth. A child of God, Johnny professed his faith in his Lord Jesus Christ and we rejoice that he is running and walking without pause, experiencing life to the fullest.



Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Marvin Toolate and Robert “Pug� Toolate.



He will be greatly missed by those who remain:

his wife Jean Toolate;

his daughter, Tracey Embree

his daughter, Victoria (Tori) Williams and her husband, Chris.

his grandchildren: Taylor Embree, Arionna Lowery, Erica Williams, Kirra Williams, Tyler Marzean, Nicolas Marzean and Caleb Marzean;

Great Grandsons: Dylan and Elias;

Great Granddaughters: Aspen and Harper;

Uncle, Roy Rogers;

And numerous cousins.



Memorial services to honor and celebrate Johnny’s life and home going will be announced in the near future. Please check back for update of services information.



Johnny will be buried at Ft Gibson National Cemetery, Ft Gibson, Oklahoma with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Posted By: Joe Holmes - 10-03-2025
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