John W Officer

John Ward Officer was born on a ranch outside of Big Timber, Montana on September 4, 1926. He was the youngest of seven children born to Lawrence and Juanita Officer. After a well-lived life, known for enjoying life to its fullest, John passed away on January 27, 2023, in Sun City West, Arizona, at the age of 96. John graduated from Big Timber High School in May of 1944, and the day after graduation, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy. His father had to drive to Big Timber to provide his permission for enlistment. John was called to active duty on October 5, 1944 and served as a radar tech on a submarine chaser in the South Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged on June 22, 1946. In January of 1949 John began work for Amoco Production Company in the Salt Creek Oilfield in Midwest, Wyoming. He was a roustabout, wireline logger, waterflood technician and later manager of the waterflood operations throughout his 35-year career. It was in Midwest where John met Marie on a blind date. They married on June 25, 1950, and were married for 66 years at the time of Marie's passing in 2016. They had two children: Kelly and Kevin. While in Midwest, John was initiated into the Masons in 1952. He served twice as Master and became Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch for the state of Wyoming in 1975. Also while in Midwest John was involved in several community organizations, including serving as mayor from 1979-1982. After retirement, in 1989, John and Marie moved to Queen Valley, Arizona. Together they enjoyed the warmer climate and taking many trips in their motor home. John was an avid golfer and also enjoyed leather work and wood carving. John lived in Queen Valley until March of 2022 when he moved to Sun City West Assisted Living, where he lived at the time of his death. John is survived by his children, Kelly and Yvette Officer of Daphne, Alabama and Kevin and Rhonda Officer of Gillette, Wyoming; grandchildren, Shar and Mark Halliday, Brent and Amanda Officer, Chelsea and Kajen Stockert, Josh and Ann Krueger, Jamie Stephens and Aaron McGeever; and 7 great grandchildren.