Johnie Dale Grimes was born October 17, 1947 at Idabel, the son of Jimmie Sr. and Rachel Grimes. At the age of twelve he became a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church. He married Allene Rhea June 1, 1967 and they had four daughters. He was a member of the Idabel Masonic Lodge No. 264.
Johnie was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who cared deeply for his family. He created genealogy records for his family and was a great historian. He was a good listener and also had many stories to tell.
Johnie was an Eagle Scout. He retired from the Oklahoma Army National Guard at the rank of Major after 23 years of service. He worked for Choctaw Electric Cooperative for 33 years before retiring as CEO.
An avid outdoorsman and hunter, Johnie looked forward to Colorado elk hunting each year and had made this trip for over twenty-five years. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, camping and birdwatching.
A faithful Christian, friend and community leader, Johnie was actively involved in numerous organizations and projects including, Sons of the American Revolution “SAR”, Kiamichi Family Medical Center Board of Directors, the Oklahoma Genealogical Society, First Families of the Twin Territories, General Society of Mayflower Descendants. He was active in his church, having served as treasurer among many other duties. He willingly and unselfishly volunteered his time to help where he could, including caretaker and bookkeeper of the Canfield Cemetery.
Johnie passed away September 13, 2022 at Idabel, Oklahoma.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of fifty-five years, Allene Grimes; daughters and sons-in-law, Rachel and Steve Surratt of Idabel, Katherine “Katie” and Jamie Sampson of Ada, Rebecca “Becky” and Eric Bottoms of Ada, Victoria “Tori” and Ryan Luthye of Choctaw, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Brittney, Whittney, Elizabeth, Jared, Justin, Levi, Kodee, Ashlee, Malia, J.J., Alaina, Kayce, Cadance, Jaxon, Enella, Willow, Jonny, Lydia; brother, Jimmie Dale Grimes, Jr. and wife Carlotta of Idabel; cousins who were like sisters, Ginger Singleton and Maridale Vanek; numerous other relatives, Masonic brothers and many, many friends.
Johnie was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Sr. and Rachel Grimes and his in-laws, Dr. Thomas E. Rhea and wife Lenette.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2022 at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel with the Reverend Gloria Walters officiating assisted by Rev. Robert Rhea. A Masonic Service by fellow Masons and Military Honors by the United States Army will take place at the Canfield Cemetery Pavilion. Interment will follow in the Canfield Cemetery.
Family will receive friends Friday, September 16, 2022 at the Clardy Funeral Service Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Canfield Cemetery Fund, PO Box 1, Idabel, OK 74745
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