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John Klabzuba Obituary

John Allen Klabzuba, 58, passed away Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, at his home in Little Rock, Ark., after an eight-year battle against multiple myeloma. Service: A private service will be held in Greenwood Memorial Park. A reception to honor John's life will be held for family and friends 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at River Crest Country Club, 1501 Western Ave., Fort Worth. Memorials: Donations may be made to the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, Attention: Director of Development, Suite 816, 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205, or University of Oklahoma Foundation, John A. Klabzuba Memorial Fund, 100 Timberdell Road, Norman, Okla. 73019. Mr. Klabzuba was born in 1952 in Fort Worth. He was a proud graduate of the University of Oklahoma in 1974 with a degree in petroleum land management and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Mr. Klabzuba began his career in the oil and gas industry at Getty Oil in Houston; soon after, he moved to Fort Smith, Ark., and worked for Hanna Oil & Gas under Jim Hanna, whom he fondly referred to as his mentor. Subsequently, Mr. Klabzuba joined his family's business and served as president of Klabzuba Oil & Gas Inc. for more than 20 years before pursuing private business ventures with his daughter and son-in-law in Denver, Colo. Mr. Klabzuba developed a love for the outdoors while spending summers with his grandparents in northern New Mexico, where he enjoyed hiking and fishing; he was also an avid cyclist. Mr. Klabzuba was preceded in death by his father, Robert Ernest Klabzuba. Survivors: Mother, Doris Butler Klabzuba; wife of 37 years, Melinda Worsham Klabzuba; father-in-law and mother-in-law, C.E. and Gloria Worsham; daughter, Jill Klabzuba Ahrens and spouse, Ryan W. Ahrens; sisters, Judy Klabzuba Park and spouse, Major W. Park Jr., Janet Klabzuba Stevens and spouse, Jack R. Stevens, and Jane Klabzuba Korman; and many nieces and nephews.

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Published by Star-Telegram on Oct. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Klabzuba

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Dianne Gibson

October 26, 2010

Although I have always considered Jane one of my best friends, I feel like I knew Johnny through her. She spoke highly of him and I know that she and the entire family will miss him. I am so sorry for your loss.

Beverly Carroll Wright

October 22, 2010

Dear Ones,

I didn't know John well but I certainly knew who he was and remember a guy who was handsome and always had a smile for whoever passed his way. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time, but I know that God will lift you and carry you through this heartbreak. God Bless You.

Linda Morrison-Smith

October 22, 2010

To The Klabzuba Family:
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of John. I was a classmate of his from EHHS '70 and have fond memories of him. He always had a great presence of those around him with a kind heart and compassion. I saw an article a few years back at Harris Hospital about him and your family when I started going there for mammograms and felt very proud. I know that nothing, but God's love and time can heal this loss and my prayer for your family is for comfort at this time. I will put your family on the St. Paul Lutheran Church prayer list as I know this strength will bring comfort to your family. May God's loving arms be around you.

Debra Lochtrog

October 21, 2010

Melinda,
I am so sorry to hear about Johnny's passing. You and your family are in my prayers. God's Peace be with you.

Louann "McDaniel" Grothues

October 21, 2010

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny. I remember sitting by him on a church snow skiing trip (by bus) to Taos, New Mexico...a long time ago!!! We talked a lot. What a special person he was--a great guy. I am so sorry to hear of Johnny's passing. My condolences to all who knew a loved him.

Harolyn Copeland Blackburn

October 21, 2010

My heart breaks at the passing of our dear classmate. I have many fond memories of Johnny from Meadowbrook Jr. High and Eastern Hills High School. We worked together on our 20th high school reunion and I saw him as an adult for the first. What a love he had for his wife and daughter and a kind and loving spirit to his fellow classmates. My thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved this dear man.

Gary Pruitt

October 20, 2010

May God comfort and guide this family through their time of loss. I remember Johnny very well. As little boys, back in the early 60’s we lived in the same neighborhood and used to play and ride our bikes together down on the Meadowbrook Golf Course. We had the same home room teacher Mrs. Gandy at Eastern Hills Elementary School.

It is sad…to suddenly hear of someone you knew so long ago, and in our memories hold still so young, to then comprehend their mortal passing without so much as an opportunity to say good bye. I pray that there will be a day soon, when we will say hello old friend…once more. I did not know his faith, but mine proclaims that eternity will be filled with many, many hellos.

Hedwiga Weatherford

October 20, 2010

Dear Mrs. Klabzuba and family, I worked in the Ft Worth office for 5 years and remember John as a fine, considerate, hard working individual with a wonderful sense of humor. I'm so sorry for your loss. He fought the good fight and he blessed all of our lives with his presence.
Hedwiga Weatherford

Gary Pruitt

October 20, 2010

May God comfort and guide his family through their time of loss. I remember Johnny very well. As little boys, back in the early 60’s we lived in the same neighborhood and used to play and ride our bikes together down on the Meadowbrook Golf Course. We had the same home room teacher Mrs. Gandy at Eastern Hills Elementary School.

It is sad…to suddenly hear of someone you knew so long ago, and in our memories hold still so young, to then comprehend their mortal passing without so much as an opportunity to say good bye. I pray that there will be a day soon, when we will say hello old friend…once more. I did not know his faith, but mine proclaims that eternity will be filled with many, many hellos

Sharon Cunningham-Monger

October 20, 2010

Although there are many childhood-classmates with heavy hearts today, we rejoice in what is evident of a life well lived. I'm sure the best is yet to come, and our condolences to his family.

Danny Nichols

October 20, 2010

Melinda...
I am very sorry for your loss! You and Jill and your family are in my thoughts & prayers!

October 19, 2010

Sorry to hear of his passing. Bobby and I grew up at 1720 Danciger Drive close to his home. Alan Golightly

Cecilee Lindsey

October 19, 2010

Jill,
I was so sorry to read about your father's death. Please accept my deepest condolences. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cecilee Lindsey

Keller Caubarreaux

October 19, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. John was a delightful, captivating man who will certainly be cherished by many and remembered by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Dr Charles Anthony, Greenwood-Mt Olivet Chaplain

October 19, 2010

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Gerald Schwarz

October 19, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. John was a great man and an inspiration to us all. I'm glad I was able to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

David Henry

October 19, 2010

Dear Melinda,

Please accept my most profound sympathy for your loss. I did not know John; but there was never a time that I knew you that he was not a major part of your life. You were with John when I first met you at age 14 (maybe?) at First Presbyterian and later throughout the years at SHS he was by your side.
I just wanted you to know you still have a world of friends in Fort Worth who do remember you and care deeply. My thoughts and prayers are with you; the loss of someone so dear, after so many years together, must be absolutely surreal.

With deepest regret on your loss,

David Henry
[email protected]

Gene & Donna Sidwell

October 19, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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