Birth date: Jul 6, 1949 Death date: Apr 9, 2026
John Elton Cramer, 76, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on April 9, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering patriotism. Born July 6, 1949, in Greenville, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Leon Elton and Mar Read Obituary
To John's Family --
I was privileged to grow up next door in Greenville, PA to one of the sweetest, happiest, most joyful and engaged human beings I had ever met from my home town or from any place I lived as an adult. John was a young man, just a year older, who embodied not only naturally energetic good looks, but also a spiritual quality that always flickered lovingly, sweetly, and with much humor and curiosity. His light as a young boy and a man did not wane.
After John went into the military service and traveled the world, I grew up too and moved to Washington, D.C. and then we both settled down, he in Tulsa and I in NYC. We were out of touch for decades, but then reunited briefly a few times with our classmates at GHS Class of '68 reunions. For our 50th Reunion, I walked into the party and there was John talking to everyone while standing in an apron with a spatula in hand as he was grilling hot dogs and burgers for everyone.
After reading in his Obituary about his dear wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and in-laws, and his many friends, I just know that throughout his life there aren't many people who knew him who didn't become just a little better for having felt the love, joy and loyalty of John Cramer. I am honored and blessed to have been his friend and neighbor.
Rest in peace, joy, and love, John.
-- Shirley Curtin Slaff
I grew up with John in Greenville, Pa., lived down the street from him. He was a great friend, used to work & play ice skating at the local rink. He was a great patriot who served his country for many years. My sympathy to his family, may he rest in peace.
John and I grew up in the small town of Greenville, PA. We were born in 1949. I was John’s senior by about two months—a fact that I reminded him of throughout his life. We met at age six and became fast friends. It was a friendship we shared with about ten other kids in our age range in our neighborhood.
Then, at age eight, tragedy struck. John’s father died at age 48, leaving John’s mother to raise John and his three younger sisters as a single parent. Relatives and neighbors helped her some, but it was a difficult life for his mother. They lived in a small house, probably no more than a thousand square feet. Two rooms on the first floor and one large room on the second floor. The bathroom was in the basement. I marvel at what John’s mother accomplished in that environment. John and his sisters turned out to be fine adults.
John and I got bicycles at about the same time, at about age nine or ten. Of course, we set up a race of about a half mile on the flat street where we lived. He beat me by about a foot. A foot! John reminded me of that fact throughout his life.
None of the kids around our age in our neighborhood could beat John in a foot race. He didn’t need to remind anyone of that fact. It was just one of those universal truths that was never questioned—like the sun is at the center of our solar system.
Another universal truth of epic proportions was John’s knockout-good-looks. When we got into high school, we started calling him a girl-magnet. It didn’t matter where we were, girls couldn’t keep their eyes off him. The rest of us guys were left with a dilemma: should we leave John at home so that the rest of us would have a chance to meet a girl at a dance; or should we bring him along, knowing that by merely being in John’s presence, it would help the rest of us meet a girl. We always chose the latter.
I remember the day John left for the Vietnam War, and I remember the day that he returned. Our friends and I wished him God speed during his tour. We had corresponded with letters while he was there. And we celebrated mightily when he came back safe and sound.
When John told me he was moving to Tuilsa, OK to be near his kids, I thought it would be a disaster for him. But, if ever the hand of the benevolent God was at play, it was when John and Patty started dating. Both were coming off a rough divorce. Both were emotionally down from that experience. Both needed divine intervention. It was a case of good things happening to good people. I was delighted to be the best man in their wedding.
I’ve learned a lot from being friends with John. Being calm in the face of disaster. Being able to find the goodness in everyone. Keeping childhood friends close. He kept me close. I am forever grateful for that.
I will love you always, John.
Lew Ruffing
John was more than a brother in law. He was a true friend to me and Thomas. I will always look for him in his white Toyota truck to stop and talk for a while. Thomas will miss him driving along talking while he walked. He loved his family, his country and friends. He will be deeply missed and always loved!🥰
We had the best time with John and Patty at our 4th of July pool parties.
