Viewing will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday, and from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM Sunday, at Vondel Smith Mortuary, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd. OKC.

John Henry Nesom, 74, of Oklahoma City, went to his eternal home on February 24, 2011, after a 9-month, courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born April 4, 1936, in Okmulgee, OK, to Edna and Earl. A devoted husband, father, brother, and granddad, he always put God and family first. His positive attitude and hard-working disposition made him a legend in the steel industry. He attended the University of Oklahoma where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He was a "walk-on" for Bud Wilkinson's 1954 OU Sooners football team, a small example of his can-do attitude and fighting spirit. An ankle injury quickly ended his football career. After transferring to Central State University in Edmond, OK, he met the love of his life, Barbara Britton. He won her over with his, "glass is half-full" attitude, his larger-than-life personality, his crooning abilities, and his smooth dance moves. He adored her. Best friends throughout life, they remained close by each other's side to the end. They were married 51 happy years. His amazing gift in making people laugh brought joy to all who knew him. His unwavering determination and perseverance helped him become successful in business in spite of his humble beginnings. John began his hard work while in elementary school at his dad's Texaco Service Station in Okmulgee. He was a true "Okmulgee Bulldog," as shown by his drive to succeed. In 1956 he began a career as a draftsman with Robberson Steel in Oklahoma City. In 1962 he went to work in the sales department of Capitol Steel and Iron, and at his death, was President and Owner of the company. He took pride in their reputation of successfully fabricating steel for heavy highway and railroad bridges across America. He loved a challenge. His faith and perseverance caused him to never give up, his hope and positive outlook on life made him an eternal optimist, and his unconditional love for family made him a generous giver. He used well what he was given, and he was blessed. When asked how he could be repaid for his generosity, he always said, "Pass it on." He left a wonderful legacy to the next generations, and they will "pass it on." He is survived by his wife, Barbara Britton Nesom, of the home; three daughters and their spouses, and eight grandchildren: Robin (Nesom) and Lance Young, Lauren and Melissa Young, of Oklahoma City; Patty (Nesom) and Randy Wallace, John, Tyler, Nathan, and James Wallace, of Killeen, Texas; and Bobbie (Nesom) and Larry Wallace, Jesse and Rachel Wallace of Edmond, OK. John is also survived by his sister and her husband, Suzan (Nesom) and Geary Whaley; brothers, Dan Nesom and spouse Darla; and Verne Nesom; all of Oklahoma City; and sister-in-law, Sue Britton of So. Padre Island, TX. Services will be Monday, February 28, 2011, 2:00 p.m., Chapel of the First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City. Memorials may be made to the INTEGRIS Foundation, 3030 N.W. Expressway, Suite 1600, Oklahoma City, OK 73112; or the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.

Family and friends wishing to purchase flowers may contact Cheevers Flowers and Gifts, 12236 North May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 752-2104.