John Randall Rathman

John Randall Rathman, 72, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, passed away on March 10, 2026, to join the Lord.

John was born on June 24, 1953, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Lawney Lester Rathman and Sharleen Mae (McMullen) Rathman. He was raised on a acre homestead farm outside of Grand Island, where he developed a lifelong love for Nebraska and farm life. One of his greatest joys was returning home to help his family farm and harvest corn. The farm was his "happy place," a source of peace, joy, and belonging throughout his life.

John graduated from Northwest High School in Grand Island in 1971 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska, earning his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1976. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where he would establish lifelong roots and build an extraordinary professional career.

John spent 44 years and 10½ months working at the Plastics Technical Center at what became Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, retiring as a Principal Blow Molding Specialist. During his career, John became a widely respected leader in his field. He was honored as a Fellow and Honored Service Member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and served as an active director of the SPE Blow Molding Division beginning in 2003. John helped author more than 20 technical publications and conference presentations and held five U.S. patents. Above all, he genuinely loved his work and the colleagues he considered lifelong friends.

On August 24, 1996, John married the love of his life, Dayna Beth Clayton. During his marriage, he experienced the profound joys of fatherhood and grandfatherhood. He treasured every moment of raising his children, teaching them the values that shaped his own life: hard work, learning, perseverance, humility, and faithfulness. John found joy in gardening and above all cherished time being "Oompa" to his grandchildren. If he wasn't entertaining with his goofy and funny noises, he was soothing with his calming presence.

A faithful member of Bartlesville First Baptist Church, John lived out his Christian faith with quiet conviction. His relationship with Christ centered his life, gave him strength, humility, and peace. He was not afraid to die because "he knew where he was going."

John was known for his steady and gentle spirit. Calm, even tempered, and dependable; he carried a steadiness that brought comfort to others. His friend and mentor Don Peters fondly recalled at John's retirement, "He was the most even tempered, calm person that ever worked in the PTC. If one couldn't work for or with John, that person couldn't work with people." He had humble confidence, a gentle sense of humor, and a genuine respect for others that made people feel at ease in his presence. Quietly generous, John rarely waited to be asked; if someone needed help, he simply stepped in.

John will be remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and Oompa: faithful, gracious, generous, and kind. Those who knew him best will remember the gentle way he lived, the steadiness he brought into every space, and the quiet acts of kindness that left a lasting impact on countless lives.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Lawney Lester Rathman and Sharleen Mae Rathman.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dayna Rathman of Bartlesville; his children, Christopher Rathman and wife Madison of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Audrie Rathman of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Megan Kempf and husband Kyle of Quincy, Illinois; and his cherished grandchildren, Penelope Kempf, Oliver Kempf, and Henry Rathman.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jim Rathman and wife Kathy of Grand Island, Nebraska, Jennifer Klanecky and husband Richard of Cairo, Nebraska, and Jeff Rathman and wife Lynn of Aurora, Nebraska; his father in law and mother in law, Hadwen and Thelma Clayton; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

John cared deeply about the fight against Sanfilippo Syndrome, which affects his grandchildren Poppy and Oliver. In honor of John's memory, donations may be made to 'mpssociety.org' "In memory of John Rathman."

Donate Directly: https://mpssociety.org/en/