John Frederick Hertz, Sr.

Major John Frederick Hertz, Sr., USAF retired, was born on August 25, 1933 to William Joseph Hertz, Sr. and Carrie Cordelia (Johnson) Hertz, Brown. He was born in the family home in Seminole, Oklahoma. He passed peacefully, on February 28, 2015, after a long and difficult battle with heart disease, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital South, in Oklahoma City. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Barbara; his son, Martin; his daughter, Joni; and his granddaughter, Joan. John was married to his lovely bride, Barbara Ann (Hedden) Hertz for 59 years. They were married in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 3, 1955. John chose this date, because it was Labor Day Weekend, and they both wouldn’t have to miss work. Every state that John moved to, he found a church to call home. His last move was no exception. John and his family joined the First Baptist Church in Tecumseh, Oklahoma in 1976. He served in the church for a time as a Deacon. John was faithful and active member, and loved to tell jokes. John grew up in the Depression and lived in Seminole, Tishomingo, and Rattan, Oklahoma as well as California. He was Valedictorian of Rattan High School, Rattan, Oklahoma. He attended Texas Tech University, and graduated in 1959, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of the first Officer Training School for the USAF, February 1960. He was part of the Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO), whiling serving in the USAF. He started work as a young person, picking cotton in Oklahoma. From that time forward, he never stopped working. He served in the USAF for 21 years, with a tour in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Medals received include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal. After retirement from the military, John operated a chicken ranch with 7,500 chickens, and also raised Limousine cattle and Appaloosa horses. He returned to Tinker Air Force Base, and worked in building 3000 as a Reliability Engineer with AWACS. He worked many years as a Realtor with Branson McKiddy Real Estate in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. John also worked for Tecumseh Public schools as a Substitute Teacher until the age of 81, when he became too ill to work. John was active the Republican party, and ran for office for State Representative in District 27 twice. He also served as a Court Mediator for Pottawatomie County. His memberships included: Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce; Shawnee Board of Realtors; National Rifle Association; American Legion Post 260; and, Gideons International. He was an avid vegetable gardener. He could grow most anything, in spite of drought, storm wind damage, or too much rain. In fact, he grew so much produce; he often gave it away to friends, relatives, and the needy. John enjoyed fishing, especially with his children and grandchildren. He also loved hunting, especially deer season. John was preceded in death by his father, William Joseph Hertz, Sr., his mother, Carrie Cordelia (Johnson) Hertz, Brown; brothers: William Joseph Hertz, Jr., James Otto Hertz, Teddy Abraham Hertz and half-brother, Jerry Eugene Brown; brother-in-law, Douglas Osgood and sister-in-law, Glenda June Hedden, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara Ann (Hedden) Hertz of the home; his four children, John Frederick Hertz, Jr. of Winter Springs, Florida; Joni Sue Hertz, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; Colonel Martin Ray Hertz, USAF Retired, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; and Mark Erik Hertz, Bethel Class of 1988, of Tecumseh, Oklahoma; Major Jane Ellen (Parris) Hertz, USAF Retired, of Oviedo, Florida; Alesia (Gray) Duboise, of McLoud, Oklahoma; six granddaughters, Rebecca Jane Hertz; Catherine Anne (Hertz) Powell and husband, Clinton Powell; Elizabeth Kate Hertz; Joan SueAnn Hertz-Alisauski; Breanna Alexandra (Hertz) Humphreys, and husband, Stetson Humphreys and Alyssa Nicole Hertz; three honorary grandchildren: Jason David Alisauski; Justin Tyler Alisauski; and Jessica Tiara Alisauski; one great-granddaughter: Izabela Alexandra Humphreys; one great-grandson, Humphreys, due in May; two brothers: Jesse Charles Hertz of Antlers, Oklahoma; Norman Ray Hertz, of Manassas, Virginia; two sisters: Mary Frances (Hertz) Osgood, of Yukon, Oklahoma; Virginia Ann (Brown) Blake, and husband, Paul Blake, of Plano, Texas; many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. Flowers are graciously accepted; however, if you would like to do something in addition to flowers, please send donations to the Oklahoma Heart Hospital, South. The family would like to thank the following doctors for gifting John with over a decade of life that would not have happened without the power of prayer and the skilled professionals that touched his life; Dr. Tahirkheli; Dr. Nazir; Dr. Ahmed; Dr. Raman; Dr. Khan; Dr. Riker; Dr. Randolph; Dr. Ghani; Dr. Hassad; Dr. Soter; Dr. Cheema; Dr. Tkosch. The family is also grateful for the many nurses, techs, and staff at both the Oklahoma Heart Hospitals North and South Campuses. Visitation will begin 9:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2015 and continue through service time. Family gathering to meet with friends will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2015 at Cooper Funeral Home. Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Tecumseh Alumni Center, 901 North 13th Street, Tecumseh, Oklahoma with Reverend Tony Peak of Tecumseh First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.