John Paul Kyle, Sr.

John Paul Kyle, Sr. passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, in Edmond, Oklahoma. Born on October 23, 1940, in Poteau, Oklahoma, John lived a life defined by his deep love for family, his kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor that drew people to him.

He graduated from Northeast High School in 1958 and went on to play college football at the University of Idaho from 1958 to 1960 before transferring to Central State College, now the University of Central Oklahoma. There he helped lead the team to its first NAIA National Championship in 1962, a milestone he treasured throughout his life. After earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education in 1963, John taught and coached football at John Marshall High School, where he was named All-City Coach of the Year in 1964. He later spent more than forty years as a respected lobbyist for the Oklahoma Motor Carriers Association, the Oklahoma Oil Marketers Association, and the Oklahoma Railroad Association.

John was a devoted husband to his wife Carolyn Kyle and to his late wife Raynette Kyle. He was the loving father of Kim Bates and the late Alvin Bates, John and Joyce Kyle, and Brook and Jim Lehew, as well as Carrie and Kevin McCarty and Brian and Zoe Branstetter, whom he gained through marriage. His family grew to include cherished grandchildren Lucy Johnson, Avery Fouts, Millie Wall, Piper Kyle, Kennedy Lehew, Lincoln Lehew, Jackson Lehew, Gefi Ivey, Carly Gurley, Kyle McCarty, and Caity McCarty, along with many great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.

A man of strong Christian faith, John was a longtime member of Henderson Hills Baptist Church. He found great pleasure in golf, fishing, and traveling on family road trips. Above all, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren, sharing laughter and wisdom with them. John will be remembered as a funny, gentle, and loving man whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.