John D Hilyard was born February 9, 1936, in Cushing, Oklahoma to Eugene and Bessie Hilyard and departed this life on November 4, 2026. In 1958 he married Karen Wright. To this union three children were born, Diane, Doug and Brenda. In 1980 he married Cheryl Hilyard, his wife of 46 years.

John graduated from Cushing High School in 1954. He received a football scholarship to Arkansas City Junior College and attended college there for two years.

John spent over twenty years working at Hudson Refinery until it closed in the early 1980’s. He then worked for Cushing Wholesale and then retired after 11 years with Interstate Auto Wholesale. John also served in the Army National Guard.

John was very active in the Cushing Jaycees and was named a Jaycee Senator and received the Distinguished Service Award. He served on the Cushing Board of Education and was president at the time of the new high school being built. He was a member of the Rotary Club for a time also.

He was very active in the Soap Box Derby races when he was a Jaycee. He coached little league football for several years. Upon retirement he enjoyed woodworking and making many beautiful, award-winning cathedral clocks.

John was a lifetime member of the Merri Makers Clown Unit of the Akdar Shrine in Tulsa. His clown name, Dixie Dale, was based on a high school nickname.

John is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, and his three children: Diane Brown, Doug Hilyard and Brenda Hilyard; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nelma Long and brother Glen Hilyard.

No services will be held at this time.