John Charles McGrath

McGRATH -- John Charles, died Monday, July 10, 2006, in Tulsa. He was born March 29, 1927, in Cleveland, OH, to John P. and Gertrude McGrath and was confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He graduated high school early so that he could enlist in the Navy during WWII, and saw service in the Pacific as a Radio Operator on a destroyer. He was later selected to teach radar at Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago. In 1946, he volunteered for special duty at the Bikini Atoll Atomic Bomb Test Site. He graduated from Ohio State University, with a 5-year degree in Engineering Physics and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon. He married his college sweetheart, Doris Miller, in 1950 and they began over 55 years together. After college, he worked in Titanium Research, followed by 3 years in Alaska as a Field Engineer for Bendix Radio, installing the Early Warning Radar Net. Returning to Cleveland, he attended Western Reserve University Law School and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1957, but his great interest in engineering took him back to the industry and eventually to Tulsa, with the Fram Corporation as a Senior Vice President in charge of their Aerospace and Industrial Filter Divisions. In 1972, he became President and Owner of Century Geophysical Corporation, developing it into one of the leading mineral exploration companies in the world. John earned his pilot's license in 1952 and used his love of flying for both business and pleasure. He was a very curious, hands-on person, which led to the development of many novel mechanical designs and projects. John also fit easily into the computer world and built the first computerized geophysical logging trucks. Life was never dull. He was a member of The Tulsa Club, Summit Club and Southern Hills Country Club, where he had his only "hole-in-one." His family greatly appreciates his many caring friends, doctors and Saint Francis Hospice. John is survived by: his wife, Doris; son, John Miller of Tulsa; brother, James of Chesterland, OH; sister, Kathryn Haag of Willoughby Hills, OH; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. A Memorial service celebrating John's life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, August 26, 2006, at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, Rose Chapel, at 13th and Boston.