John Douglas Thiesing Jr.

John Douglas Thiesing Jr, 86, a long-time resident of Miami OK passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, due to complications related to an aggressive form of Lymphoma. John was born on November 27, 1938, in Pittsburg, Kansas to John and Leta (Strole) Thiesing.
John graduated from Miami High School in 1958, he furthered his education at NEO A&M College in Miami where he received his associate's degree, and Oklahoma State University where he received his bachelor's degree. John was briefly in the Navy but was medically discharged due to his Asthma. John's career was mostly with the Social Security Administration of 40 years. He started his government service while living in Dallas, Texas and finished his career at Retirement in Miami Oklahoma as the district manager.
John was a storyteller and had great stories to share. In his early years he raced sports cars and received many trophies while doing this sport. He was always an outdoors person, over the years he hunted ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, dove, rabbit, and deer. He competed in shooting competitions, trained dogs, and competed in dog hunt tests where his dogs won several titles. He went on many ATV/UTV trips with his family riding some rugged trails in the mountains of Arkansas. John was regularly active, whether it be mowing or working on his acreage to walking a mile each day and loved being with his family. John was a long-time member of the Lion's Club and First Presbyterian Church.
Proceeding Mr. Thiesing in passing includes his wife Fay Florence Thiesing and his parents John Sr and Leta Thiesing.
John and Fay were married for over 40 years, together they had many wonderful years until her passing. They are survived by their daughter Jenna Thiesing Vaughn and former son-in-law Scott Vaughn. Two grandchildren, Conner and his wife Jayme Vaughn and Cory Vaughn.
On May 19, 2012, John married Melinda Wilson Watterson who is his surviving wife. His bonus family included being survived by Melinda's children, Melissa and her husband Dusty Bekemeier, Juli, and her husband Jeff Ridgway. Three grandchildren Jack and his wife Grace Ridgway Charlie Ridgway, and Meredith McQueeney.
John is also survived by his sister, Nova Thiesing Lansdale.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 1, 2025, from 5:00 pm – 7:00 p.m. at Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation in Miami Oklahoma.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church in Miami Oklahoma with internment following at the GAR Cemetery in Miami.
The family asks that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way he lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.