Dr. John Letcher

1936 - 2023

Dr.  John Letcher obituary, 1936-2023, Tulsa, OK

Dr. John Letcher

1936 - 2023

John Letcher Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 12, 2023.
Dr. John Letcher

Dr. John Henry Letcher III, Ph.D., retired TU College professor, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023, at his home in Tulsa. John was born to Charles and Isabelle Letcher, the second of four sons. He spent his early years in Miami, OK, where he was both an athlete and a scholar, and graduated from the University of Tulsa with two bachelor's degrees: zoology and physics. He then went on to earn a Master's and Ph.D. in physics from the University of Missouri in 1963. An avid learner, he continued his education by taking post-graduate studies all over the world, including at the University of Uppsala in Sweden and Harvard Medical School.

John did early work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the 1980s and holds several patents. His love of learning led to a full professor position at the University of Tulsa, where he taught computer science until his retirement.

John took on many roles in his life - pilot, author, musician, and mentor, but his most cherished roles were within his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary Martin, his wife of 52 years, until her death. He was a loving father to his sons Charles W Letcher II, and John Henry Letcher IV, and he took great joy in his grandchildren Stefani, Wes, Jarina, and Sean.

Services will be on February 19, 2023, at 2:30 p.m., at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E 91st St. in Tulsa, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to "The John H. Letcher Graduate Student Scholarship in Physics" fund at the University of Missouri - 407 Reynolds Alumni Center, Columbia MO, 65211. www.fitzgeraldfuneralservice.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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December 12, 2023

Judi Spence posted to the memorial.

August 5, 2023

Carolyn Monroe posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2023

Jana Jae posted to the memorial.

6 Entries

Judi Spence

December 12, 2023

I don't have any pictures but I think of John often and tell stories to my friends about what a wonderful person he was. If there is one memory that is prominent it would be when I was taking Algebra...I don't speak math...even a little... John told me that if I didn't understand it then the teacher was failing, not me. I did manage to pass it with help from him and from a tutor but I will always remember that.

Carolyn Monroe

August 5, 2023

I met John in 6Th grade, we were friends since that time. Although, I only saw him at high school reunions along with his lovely wife, I have always been proud of John and his many accomplishments.

Jana Jae

February 21, 2023

Our Tulsa String Quartet was honored to play for John's service! We all loved and admired John and his brilliance, his family dedication, and his wonderful example of a life well-lived. As the Tulsa String Quintet, we played once a month for years - always delightful, always wonderful camaraderie and music-making. He loved these times!! We wanted to honor him and give him a musical send-off he would enjoy, and every person in the now quartet contributed musical selections and their best performance. It was an honor to know John! He was truly an exceptional person, as was his beautiful wife, Martin, who passed several years back and who we miss just as much as John -- still!! This entire family is a treasure. Sending them all heartfelt condolences, love and blessings.

John Hale

February 19, 2023

I attended the service today and wanted to share a brief memory of John. I am Chair and Professor of the Tandy School of Computer Science at The University of Tulsa. I am also a graduate of TU and Dr. Letcher taught a few of the classes I took. As an undergraduate I had taken a class in Thermodynamics from another professor - a class I did not need for my degree -- and had a bad outcome, a C. I was bemoaning this to John after the fact and his reaction was, "I think that's great!" I was initially puzzled but soon realized that John recognized that I took the class because I was curious about the subject. The grades were a distant second to love of learning when it came to one's education. That has always stuck with me in my role as a professor, and I am profoundly grateful for that lesson.

Judi Spence

February 12, 2023

I am so sorry to hear this. I cut John and Franks hair for many years and he was just saying how much he missed him. John was a very special man and I´ll miss him. I am having surgery next week so I won´t be able to attend the service. I am so sorry for your loss. Judi and Bruce Spence

Francois Martin

February 12, 2023

Dear Letcher family, I extend my sincere condolences to your family. I have met John a few times. He was so kind and welcoming. He was this incredible genius and talked about his field with passion. I am sure you will miss terribly. All my love, Francois

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Fitzgerald Funeral Service Southwood Colonial Chapel

3612 E. 91st St. S., Tulsa, OK 74137

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Sign John Letcher's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 12, 2023

Judi Spence posted to the memorial.

August 5, 2023

Carolyn Monroe posted to the memorial.

February 21, 2023

Jana Jae posted to the memorial.