John Friddle

BENJAMIN FUNERAL SERVICE NOWATA, OKLAHOMA 918-273-2700....

John Ray Friddle, 80, of Nowata passed away Monday May 17, 2021 peacefully at his residence in Nowata, Oklahoma. He was born October 23, 1940 in Dewey, Oklahoma, the son of Garrett Friddle and Iza (Cooper) Bauman.

He attended Nowata Public School and entered the United States Navy his senior year.  John joined the United States Navy in 1961 and was selected for SEALs team after finishing Basic Training. He served in the Vietnam war from 64-66.  He retired with over 20 years of service. Upon his discharge from the Navy John worked several jobs: most significantly, a custodial/maintenance man at Hays House. John loved to fish and spent many hours waiting for that big one. John was a long-time member of the VFW and American Legion. He volunteered as a member of the color guard for the Nowata Ironman football games. He also cooked for the football team on numerous occasions and served on the American Legion Color Guard at several events around Nowata. He never met a stranger and was always willing to share a story to you or give you a good laugh. On February 14, 1990 John married Bonnie Sue Harrington. They made their home in Nowata. John enjoyed raising hot peppers in his garden and caring for his dog’s. Above all John loved his family. He had a special place in his heart for each one of his family members. During Bonnie’s illness John took extraordinary care of her up until she passed on January 12, 2019. John will be missed by all who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years Bonnie Friddle, parents, Ed and Iza Bauman; four siblings, Jack Friddle, Devon Friddle, Ed Bauman, Christine Hamil

Survivors include his nine children, Garrett Friddle and wife Connie of Nowata, Ok, Bruce Friddle of Neosho, MO,  Jojo Herzog of Hillsboro, OR, Jonna Lewis and husband Bryan of Valdese, NC, Trent Hamil of Nowata, OK, Justin Hamil and wife Whitney of Oologah, OK, bonus children Debbie Shults and husband Richard of Nowata, Ok, Sandra Fleming of Ochelata, Ok, Jimmy Hamil and wife Michelle of Nowata; fourteen grandchildren, Matthew, Kimberly, Jeremiah, Daniel,  Becca, Charlie, Christy, Tosha, Trevor, Andrew, Megan, Emma, numerous great and great great-grandchildren, two siblings, Joy Bauman, Mary Wilson and late husband Nelson, many other relatives, and a host of friends.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 21, 2021, at the Living Word Church in Nowata, Oklahoma, with Pastor Jim Price officiating. Services are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Services in Nowata, Oklahoma. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com or Benjamin Funeral Service’s Facebook page.