John A. Stow

COURTESY NOTICE

John Arthur Stow, 76 , passed in Oklahoma City, OK, on May 19, 2026.

John was born on August 19, 1949, to Emmett Stow and Viola (Tackett)

Stow in St. Louis, Missouri.

The family moved to a farm in Heber Springs, Arkansas. In 1961, the

family moved to Caldwell, Kansas where John attended Caldwell Schools,

graduating in 1967. John attended Emporia State University, graduating

with a degree in Biology. John received a Masters Degree in Medical

Research from the University of Texas. John later joined the Army and

did medical research at Walter Reed Hospital, and after moving to

Oklahoma City he joined the Air Force Reserves and was called to active

duty during Desert Storm.

John never lost his love for learning. In his 40’s he found his passion in music. He learned guitar, keyboard and ukulele and until the time of his

death was taking banjo lessons. He enjoyed attending the Blue Grass

Festival in Winfield, Kansas; enjoyed playing at many different festivals

in Oklahoma City and playing for his church.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Viola Stow

(May) and his fiancé Sandy.

He is survived by his bother Jim (Shirley) Stow of Billwyn, Virginia, and

his sister Barbara (Charlie) Schlottog of Corbin, Kansas. Nephews Jim

(Michele) Stow of Wellington, KS; and Joel (Candice) Stow of Tonkawa,

OK; and nieces Jennifer ( Jeremy) Karr of St. Louis; Julie (Gabe)

Caruthers of Kansas City; Melissa (Billy) Johnston of Oswego, KS; and

Laura Stow of Andover, Kansas. He is also survived by many great and

great-great nieces and nephews. He will be missed by his family and his

many friends in his music circle.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026 at Sugar Sisters, 20 S. Main, Caldwell, Kansas, 67022.

Memorials may be made to the Caldwell High School Alumni Association and sent in care of Schaeffer Mortuary, 6 N. Main, Caldwell, KS 67022.