John Ralph Veirs, CMS Ret. USAF

Chief Master Sergeant John Ralph Veirs, USAF Ret., peacefully passed away on August 7, 2025, in Queen Creek, AZ, at the age of 77, surrounded by his family.

John was born on June 30, 1948, in Lafayette, IN, to Robert and Bonnie Veirs. His father, Robert, built a family home in Monticello, IN, when John was five. Growing up, he was drawn to adventure and mischief. John spent those early years riding his bike, playing basketball, scuffling with the neighborhood kids, and keeping his mom, Bonnie, busy with all his misadventures. John was a car enthusiast and worked hard to buy his first car at 16, a 1957 Chevrolet Coupe 2-door hardtop. He often drag raced his friends on the old country roads outside of town. John graduated from Twin Lakes High School in 1966. Later that year, John and a coworker, Jerry, decided to join the Air Force together. Jerry bet John five dollars that he wouldn’t go join that day. John took that bet and on December 9, 1966, drove to the Air Force recruiting office. Jerry never paid John, but John admitted it was the best bet he ever made. John dedicated over 29 years of honorable service to his country, serving in the United States Air Force in posts across the globe with distinction. He quickly rose through the enlisted ranks to Chief Master Sergeant–the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. John earned countless commendations along the way in recognition of his excellence and dedicated service to his country. He retired from active duty in 1996. After retirement, he continued his government service as a civil servant. John served over 14 years as a Maintenance Supervisor, at Altus AFB, OK until 2012.  

John enjoyed going to the cinema, car shows, driving his corvette and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren. John’s quest for excellence, desire to always do the right thing, and his selfless commitment and dedication to family and friends made a lasting impact on so many lives. We were so blessed to have received his love and devotion, and we are forever grateful for the life he shared with us. 

John is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Jane; his children, Michelle Darner, Jason Veirs, Michael Libuit, Andrew Libuit, Anthony EJ Libuit, Van Dexter Duez, John Veirs; daughter-in-laws, his 16 grandchildren; siblings Richard Veirs, Nancy Livesay, Kay Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.  John was preceded in eternal rest by his parents, Robert and Bonnie (nee Spoor) Veirs.

A viewing and service to honor his life will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home 2118 S. Commerce St, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 73401. A committal service with military honors will promptly follow the service at the Veterans Cemetery, Ardmore-Oklahoma 1555 Myall Street, Ardmore, Oklahoma.