John Henry Armstrong was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, on January 11, 1932, the third of eight children born to Chester and Cloda Armstrong. He passed away on Saturday, November 13 surrounded by his family. John graduated from Bowlegs High School and later attended Oklahoma A&M where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Dairy Science in 1954. He received a Master's Degree in Sanitary Science from the University of Oklahoma in 1960. John served in the United States Army 1954 through 1956 and was stationed in Puerto Rico. He was active duty in the Army Reserves for six years.

Upon his discharge from the military, Armstrong began a distinguished 35 year career with the State of Oklahoma where he ultimately became Director of Occupational Licensing for the State Health Department. During his tenure, John was responsible for introducing several important legislative bills in support of improvements in Oklahoma's licensing process. Upon retirement, Armstrong was active on the Construction Industry Licensing Board and served on the Board of Trustees for the United Methodist Church of the Servant.

Armstrong married Donna Roberta Duffey on September 4, 1953. They were devoted to their Christian faith and are long- time members of United Methodist Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City. John was a devoted family man who enjoyed traveling, camping, and spending countless hours with his children and grandchildren. His family was his passion and his grandchildren his love. Armstrong enjoyed manual labor, especially when working with one of his children or a grandchild at his side. Through his example, his family learned the value and meaning of hard work.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years and their children: Susan and husband Val Menendez of Enid, OK; Rick and wife Marge Armstrong of Tulsa, OK; and Steve and wife Whitney Armstrong of Oklahoma City. John is also survived by three brothers and their families; Glen and Ona Faye Armstrong of Shawnee, OK; Joe (Leo) and Frankie Armstrong of Ft. Worth, TX; and Ivan and Deanna Armstrong of Stillwater, OK; and sister Geneva Brown of Midwest City, OK and her family. John was predeceased by parents and his brother Delmer and wife Anita of Houston, TX; sister Elva and an infant brother.

"Grandpa" will be missed by his nine grandchildren: Kyle and Blake Pendleton; Matthew, Eric, Ali and Garrett Menendez; Kelsey Armstrong; Jake and Annie Armstrong. His positive influence on their lives will be an everlasting gift.

Everything about his life seamlessly flowed together: his family, his church, and his work. He modeled Christ's words through his involvement in his church, his love of family and his loving relationship with others.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made in John's name to Care Team, Church of the Servant, 14343 N. MacArthur, OKC. 73142.

Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at United Methodist Church of The Servant.