John Willie Hanlon

JOHN (WILLIE) HANLON

Longtime Midwest City resident John William (Willie) Hanlon, 83, passed from this life to his rewards in Heaven and a joyous reunion with numerous family members and friends on March 16, 2023 at his home in Midwest City. Born in Shreveport, LA, John moved with his family to Midwest City at an early age. Graduating from Midwest City High School, Class of 1958, he made his mark as a member of the Bombers basketball squad.

Willie lived and worked in the area at the Midwest City Police Department and his own furniture repair business until retiring in 2020.

John loved being outdoors, mowing grass, fishing and golfing. Although there is no record of his ever catching a fish, he was still required to hold a license. Willie also held the record in Midwest City for the most lunches eaten at several local restaurants. His golf game required only a 7-iron, a foot wedge and a magic pencil to keep score. His active humor streak always kept those around him entertained. Those in his company were also forced to watch black and white Western movies on TV.

He as a fan of OU sports and whomever OSU was playing. Mowing grass was one of his true joys. He would often mow grass in the yards of neighbors and relatives almost nonstop. Sometimes, his wife Carlene would rake small piles of leaves too make him stop and bag the leaves. He often said his dream job would be to mow the Interstate right of way from Oklahoma City to Texas.

Basketball was one of John Willie's greatest enjoyments. He played competitively well into his 40's and never saw a shot he couldn't take or a pass he couldn't make.

John is preceded in death by his parents, John and Villa May Hanlon; sister Doe Hanlon, grandson Justin Hanlon and brother in law Andrew Kotch.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Carlene (Dickerson) Hanlon; sons and daughters in law John, Adele, Rick, Kellie, Jeff, Tiffany, and Jason; Grandchildren and spouses John IV (Carly, Kourtney (Garrett), Jakob (Katie). Jeremy (Jess), Ashlyn, Jillian, Jacie and Jayden; Great-grandchildren John V and Jack; Sisters, Pat and Mary; Brothers in law Richard Dickerson and Chestly Smiley and Sister in law Sandy Smiley.

His storytelling will be missed. John (Willie) Hanlon loved Midwest City and its residents. As he was quoted, "I wouldn't leave Blake Drive even if Elvis was on the corner handing out autographs."

"Slap some bacon on a biscuit and let's go. We're burning daylight." ---John Wayne.

Friends may call at the Midwest City Community Center, Sunday, April 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tributes and condolences may be posted on the Asa Smith Funeral Home web-site www.asasmith.net