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John Cobbs Obituary

John Kelly Cobbs has passed on to meet his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The Lord called John home suddenly as he finished his workout Thursday night, January 25, 2007. John was born on September 12, 1956 in Hobbs, New Mexico to Don and Wanema Cobbs. The family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1963 but settled in Del City, Oklahoma in 1967. John graduated from Del City High School in 1975 after being chosen for the All State Football Team. As impressive as John's high school days were, two events happened during that time that would shape his life. He met the love of his life, Saundra Parker and he met the Savior of his soul, Jesus Christ. John went on to the University of Oklahoma where he played football for the Sooners. He majored in Business Education but he strived to be pleasing to God. John heard the call to ministry shortly after college and answered with, 'Here am I, Lord'. He began his ministry at First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, and then moved on to serve eight years at the First Baptist Church of Lakeland, FL as Minister of Education. He was then brought home to Oklahoma in 1995. John and his family have lived in Edmond thereafter where he has served as the Associate Pastor: Administration, Outreach and Young Adults Pastor for the First Baptist Church Edmond. John is survived by his wife, Saundra Cobbs; daughters, Kelly Cobbs, Amy Cobbs, Emily Cobbs and son, Parker Cobbs; father and mother, Don and Wanema Cobbs and mother-in- law, Pauline Parker; sisters, Donna Spegal, Janet Sparks, and Paula Keith. He is loved by many nieces and nephews and literally hundreds of friends. John has left a permanent mark on each soul who has ever known him. 'And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!' Romans 10:15 Funeral Services are 10:00a.m. Wednesday January 31, 2007 at First Baptist Church with interment at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond. Services under the direction of Matthews Funeral Home Edmond.

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Published by Oklahoman on Jan. 28, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cobbs

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Stephen deRiesthal

February 18, 2008

Saundra & Family...

It has been over a year since John's homecoming with the Lord, I still miss him dearly. I do not cry often, but over the past year, John's memory and my need and desire for his counsel has brought many tears. John truly impacted my life. Any and all glory I bring to the Lord during my natural life should be added to his reward in Heaven. The memory of this man of God will continue to be an inspiration for me to those things that truly count for the glory of God. Thank you for sharing John during the years in Lakeland and following. Steve deRiesthal

Kelsey Crall

March 21, 2007

Kelsey Crall

Jeffrey Jessee

March 6, 2007

Saundra and Family,

My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time. John (Del City Eagles) and me (Midwest City Bombers) played football during high school. He was a tremendous athlete with smooth style and talent. Soft spoken and take charge leader with a mild manner that set the example for others to follow. The last time we saw each other was almost 32 years ago during the All-State football game in Tulsa...this time we played together on the South All-Star Team (what an honor it was for me to play with him on the same team. We also roomed together during the week's events and our friendship bonded even more. It was indeed an honor and privilege to have John as my friend. Rejoice because he and Ronnie Weaver are with the Lord Jesus Christ and at the right hand side of God and are guardian angels looking over us until we meet again. Someday we WILL all be together when the Good Lord calls us home (our final palace). May the Lord keep you and hold you daily.
Sincerely, Jeff Jessee

Paula Keith (Cobbs)

March 2, 2007

More than a month has gone by and the reality of John's death is still ever so shocking. The pain of his absence, ever so painful. Many times in life we don't know what we have until it is gone. Not so with John. In our family, we always knew what we had. So many times I have been amazed that God gave me such an incredible brother. John was and is my hero. He was true to the Word and he shot it to you straight. A week or so before this happend he said to me, "Man, I've been carrying you since the day you were born, am I going to have to carry you the rest of my life?" I can't believe he is gone. Gone but not lost. Real peace comes when I focus on Heaven...really focus on Heaven. To imagine what it was like the minute John saw Jesus and looked full in His wonderful face. Did he dance for Jesus or in awe just stand still? Did he stand in His presence or to his knees did he fall? Did he sing "hallelujah" or was he able to speak at all? I can only imagine... It brings a smile on my face to think about him and Ronnie being there together and what it must have been like when John was there to greet him. I can just see him. He is visiting with our Grandparents and sitting on some porch swing with Howard, his father-in-law, both of their legs crossed, swinging back and forth. Wow. I wish I could have been there to hear the Father say, "Well done, my good and faithful servent".

Sherry Tapley

February 27, 2007

Saundra and Family,
I just wanted to say that I am so sorry about the loss of John. He and Ronnie were two of the most genuine guys I have ever known. I will keep you and the Weaver family in my prayers.

Mark Turner

February 19, 2007

John was a very special man, and a wonderful teammate. I believe he has found another wonderful team to play for, and we will all miss him. I would like to offer my condolences to Saundra and his very special family. Our prayers are with you during this heartfelt time.

Jan Terry

February 14, 2007

Saundra and children,
My family is so sorry for your loss. John was one of the kindest and sincere men I have ever known. It has been a pleasure being in his Sunday School class in Lakeland Florida and becoming friends with the entire family.
Please know we think about you and hurt for your loss.
I am so glad that we had the opportunity to know John.

Bill Smith

February 10, 2007

My condolences to the Cobbs family. I know this must be a difficult time. It has been many years since I have seen John. He grew up with my younger brothers, Jeff and Steve Smith. But I remember the special person and friend he was to all of us. I always knew that John would grow up to do special things. It is obvious now as I read his obituary that he did and will continue to do so in the presence of the Lord. If you see my brother John tell him I said hello.

Jim and Sharon Gartrell

February 2, 2007

Dear Saundra and Family,

Jim and I are so sorry to hear of John's passing. What a shock to lose him so unexpectedly but what a comfort to know that he is with the Saviour and we will see him again.

John had such a sweet, gentle manner. We remember his Sunday School Class for singles, his love for his class members, and his light-hearted spirit. He was an encourager and a positive influence everywhere he went. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love and Fond Memories,
Jim and Sharon Gartrell

Jeff & Susan Baker

February 2, 2007

Saundra & family,
What a legacy John has left behind.
Everyone should strive to be half the man that he exemplified. I feel
so privileged to have known him. We all have so many special and funny memories that we will cherish
forever. Saundra, you and the kids
are in our thoughts and prayers. I wish there was something that we
could do to ease your pain. You have such an awesome family. We love you all so much. May God
keep you in His loving care. Heaven is a better place now that
John is there.
Jeff & Susan (Willard) Baker

Rick Crawford

February 2, 2007

Dear John,
You were a faithful friend and brother among us and you will be missed. You made a great family and I believe they will continue your work and do well. Thank you for your friendship and your ministry. Take care of Ronnie and I'll see you again in a little while.

Bobby Irvin

February 1, 2007

I am greatful to have known John Cobbs. He was a teacher, coach and mentor in my life.

LaQuita Mancuso

January 31, 2007

John was not only a great friend but a true one. He will truely be missed by all. Saundra my prayers for you and your children are for comfort and peace. Our Lord has it all under control. May God Bless you always.LaQuita Martin Mancuso

Sheri Greene-Wiggy

January 31, 2007

John Cobbs was my good friend a very long time ago. Reading about his life and what he had become and the lives he had touched came not as a surprise but a confirmation about what I knew way back then. John was the real deal. He walked the walk. How blessed I am to have known him then. Saundra my heart goes out to you and your children. May God grant you peace.

Billy Irvin

January 31, 2007

I am still in shock and disbelief that John Cobbs has passed away. He was my coach and teacher at DCHS (Class of 83). I never really thought of him as a coach or teacher but thought of him as a friend. What comes to mind about him was his quiet smile and easy going demeanor. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Kathy Homan-Law

January 30, 2007

John Cobbs will be greatly missed and will always be remembered as a man of integrity. Saundra, we love
you and we are praying for you and the children during this time. John loved his family with his whole heart and it was so evident. We are so thankful for his strong testimony and the hope he gave others for eternity with Jesus.

Lewis & Shirley Sharp

January 30, 2007

Our deepest sympathy to the Cobbs family. We haven't seen John and Saundra much in the past years but they hold a special place in our hearts. John truly loved the Lord and we know he will be with our Lord to greet us when we join him in heaven. May God Bless and comfort you all.

Roxanne O'Day

January 30, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. What a joy John always was with a transparent love for all people through his relationship with Jesus.

Tom and Cathy Sokolski

January 29, 2007

We are still in shock to hear of John's sudden passing. How wonderful, though, to KNOW that we will see him again one day! There is so much to remember about John....his heart for the Lord, his sense of humor, his love for people. He truly had an impact on the people that he came in contact with.

Mike Bates

January 29, 2007

I missed John Cobbs,He played football with me,I was Football Manager at Del City High School,He played good in football,I graduated DCHS 1975,I shocked about him. DCHS #81

Lindsey Frace

January 29, 2007

Our prayers are with your entire family. May the peace of the Lord, which passes all human understanding, guard your hearts and your minds, in Christ Jesus! Love you all, Ryan and Lindsey (Lee) Frace

Brad Caudell

January 29, 2007

To the Cobbs family,

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. What a great and wonderful spirit he had, and shared with others. It was always so good to hear of how he spent his time in service of our Lord.

The time I was able to spend with John when my mother passed was wonderful, a great blessing during that time.

God bless you, and I pray that the Lord floods your family's hearts with His love and wonderful memories of the life John led so well.

Angie Stewart-Mazza (Faris)

January 29, 2007

To the Cobbs Family

I'm sorry to hear of John's passing. Growing up in Del City, and running around with Paula, I remember John. You always think those older brothers are such cool guys and John was.

I pray the Lord wraps His arms around your entire family and gives you strength in the days ahead. What a blessing to know John served His Lord daily. Heaven is a little brighter today.

Mydonna Duren

January 29, 2007

Saundra and family:

My heart is breaking for you in your loss. John was one of the kindest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I met John at Townsend Elementary and he was never anything but kind to all who knew him. As an adult he was mine and my husband's Sunday School teacher. I looked so forward to Sunday morning because he always made you feel so welcome. He blessed so many lifes with his wonderful smile. I was so proud of his accomplishments on the football field but even prouder when he became a pastor. No one will ever know all of the lives he touched. I will forever feel lucky to have called John Cobbs my friend. I will be praying for you Saundra, your beautiful children, John's parents and sisters. Thank you to John's parents for raising such a wonderful son that so blessed my life and so many others. God must have needed some really special angels because he has gained two for sure with my brother in law Gary Williams and now John. God Bless you.

Ron Lovett

January 28, 2007

I have always loved John as a son. He was the ultimate winner who possessed great athletic skills, even greater determination, but all will remember him for the enormous heart gifted from God.

I know it was this big heart that God gave John to share with the world and share he did. He touched my heart and because of this my heart is better and filled with memories I will cherish forever.

I will miss John as a friend, but find peace knowing John made me at better man. In my plans John was to be my pall bearer, but I suspect God called John to greet me when I meet my Lord. Of this I find great comfort.

Although John's life was short, it leaves the significance of a man who was here for a century. What better legacy could a man leave than to have served his Savior on earth and to be called to serve in the Lord's corporate office.

John would want to remind each of you that if you don't have a personal relationship with our Savior there is no better time than today to start. What better tribute could you give John and yourself and than dedicate your life to serving our Lord.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Saundra, Kelly, Amy, Emily, Parker, Mr. & Mrs Cobbs, and Mrs. Parker.

The Ron Lovett Family

Dr Michael Hailey

January 28, 2007

I have never served with a more loyal and faithful staff member than John. John was my friend, my co-laborer and my brother in Christ. We laughed together, cried together, prayed together and even "shopped" together! I'm grateful for John's influence and can assure you I am a better man today because he was a part of my life.

Craig Wiseman

January 28, 2007

John was truly one of the best human beings I have had the priviledge of knowing and calling my friend. There was never any doubt of Johns' love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and there's no doubt John is now serving Him in Heaven. My sympathies to the family but rest assured in John's short time on earth, he made a difference in many people's lives.

Maria McGee

January 28, 2007

Saudra and Family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. We went to high school together. There was always something special about John even back then. He always treated everyone with kindness and respect. To here that he went to work for the Lord in the ministry does not suprise me. I wish there was something to say to take the hurt away....but just know that he is with the Lord and has made it home to the place where he wanted to be. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray the Lord will wrap his arms around you all and give you comfort and peace. God Bless! Maria McGee (Mazza)

Dodi Howard Shaw

January 28, 2007

John was one of my best guy buddies at Del City High. He always knew how to make me laugh. I knew both him and Saundra in high school and they were a perfect match for each other. Although I have not seen them in years, many times they have both crossed my mind. My heart and prayers go out to John's family and I wish them all well.

Jo Hogan

January 28, 2007

My deepest sympathy in the loss of John. He was a leader. His legacy will live on in all those he inspired; a bright light for those who mourn.

Del City Class of 75,
B.S, Univ of Ok, 79

Lizbeth Frazer-Fatig

January 28, 2007

I am saddend to hear of your passing. Although I haven't seen you since Freshman year of college of have thought of you through the years and kept up on your life. My thoughts are with your family at this time. I'm sure they will miss you.

David & Denise Brinkley

January 28, 2007

It can be said of some men they are good or they are okay. John was a GREAT MAN! A friend of great kindness with a heart laced with God's Mercy & Grace, a wonderful example of a Godly Man! Our prayers are with Saundra & all the children & family.

Timothy Palone

January 28, 2007

John was friends with my older brother first. He was quite different in High School as a terrific tight end for Del City. There is no doubt in my mind how the Lord changed him. I was associated with him when he worked at First Southern Baptist in Del City. He exhibited the true change that the Lord brings in Salvation. I can only echo the sentiments of the earlier entries. He believed and practiced that there was no one that the Lord couldn't reach. Thanks for everything John!

Brad & Jane McHam

January 27, 2007

John was instrumental in our decision to join FBC Edmond. His quick wit and constant smile made our day special each time we entered the church. No one was out of reach to him. He made sure that everyone who found their way to FBC Edmond felt comfortable and also found their way to Christ if they were unsaved. We miss him already but know that he is where he wanted to be. Many prayers and much love to his family and those who loved him most. Sincerely,

Lyman (Buddy) Black, Jr.

January 27, 2007

John was my good "buddy", he (Saundra, and kids) touched my family in a great, positive, way, befriended us after our move to Edmond in 1996, and made our first move away from our home much easier. I learned much, matured as a Christian, and realized the simplicity of Christain love and commitment in my conversations with him. John, love you good friend, I will see you soon!

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