John Francis Hebblethwaite

Remembering John HebblethwaiteJohn Hebblethwaite was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, on July 5, 1940. He died in Oklahoma City on March 7, 2022. We will remember John at a memorial service on April 3, 2022, at 3 p.m. in the chapel at Epworth Villa, 14901 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134.After growing up in Lesotho, John graduated with an honors degree in Botany from Rhodes University in South Africa. John and Meg met at Rhodes, fell in love, and started a 58-year journey of love and friendship together. John's brother Paul and sister Jill returned to England with their parents, and John remained in South Africa to begin his career.John's degree in Botany led him to a 30-year career with Monsanto that took him to Belgium and the United States. His focus at Monsanto was on promoting products worldwide that enhanced conservation tillage. After his retirement in 1994, he became the Director of the Conservation Technology Information Center in West Lafayette, Indiana. Love for Jesus Christ was an integral part of John's life. He faithfully attended West County Assembly of God, the Upper Room Christian Fellowship, Highland Park Baptist Church, and vespers at Epworth Villa. He taught Bible Studies, led home groups, worked with youth and college students, preached at retirement homes, and coordinated an ALPHA outreach course for 15 years. John and Meg went on various mission trips to Russia, Mexico, and an extended mission to Lesotho, where he grew up. John loved reading his Bible and praying. One of his favorite verses was Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."Not only did John love the people in his life, he always prioritized his family. He managed his finances to provide for Meg and pay for his children's college educations. John took the family on vacations to unique places to broaden their worldviews. Five years ago, he decided to move to Oklahoma to enjoy living near Joan, Wes, and his grandchildren.John and Meg moved to Epworth Villa on July 15, 2021. Their new home provided them with beautiful surroundings, welcoming and caring staff, and friendly residents. One resident shared, "John was a true gentleman who walked with his physical afflictions with grace and a strong spirit, and I counted him as a true friend." Another resident said John was a "kind, gentle, quiet friend with an amazing life experience."John's family and friends loved him and will miss him greatly.John is preceded in death by Harold and Angela Hebblethwaite, Joy Hebblethwaite, and Jim Fitzgerald. He is survived by: his wife, Meg; his children and their spouses, Antony, Joan & Wes, Ben & Julie Changhee, Paul & Sarah; his grandchildren, Liz, Luke, Lois, Chloe, Ellie, Krystal, and RyuJeong; his brother and spouse, Paul & Ruth; his sister, Jill; his nephews and nieces and their spouses, John & Cathy, David, Philip & Natalie, Meriel & JC; and, his great-nephews and -nieces, Ben, Tim, Sarah, and Leo. In place of flowers, the family welcomes donations to John's favorite charitable organization, "Growing Nations," working in Lesotho to prevent soil erosion and teach farmers conservation technology. Please make donations at this website: https://www.givengain.com/cause/30825