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John Alan “Jack” Kapella was born June 5, 1951, in Oklahoma City, to the late Frank John & Margaret (Gobel) Kapella. He died on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in Marietta OK at the age of 71 years, 2 months and 1 day, following a lengthy battle with ALS. Jack and the former Ms. Bennie Gaye Burns were married on July 7, 1973 in Lindsay OK. This marriage was blessed with three children, Lisa, Darin, and Marcy. Jack, known by most as “Mr. Kapella” or “Coach Kapella”, grew up in Midwest City, graduating from Midwest City High School, Class of 1969. After high school he continued his education at East Central University, majoring in Education and playing football for the Tigers. Jack’s career in education included teaching, coaching, Athletic Director and serving as Principal. Schools he was employed with included Carl Albert, Beaver, Midwest City, Seminole, Harrah, Davis and Marietta. Jack was devoted to his faith, family, students, players, and community. He was also a devoted fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Green Bay Packers, and any team his son or nephews happened to be coaching. He was a leader in all aspects of his life, a man of integrity and respect, he was never afraid to make the right decision, even if it wasn’t the most popular. He was a great husband and father and was very proud of his children. He had many wonderful friends, including a very special group of his football teammates from ECU. He had a passion for sports and competition. An avid and lifelong swimmer, he loved the water. His most cherished role was that of being a “Grandpa”. His greatest joy was being involved with his grandkids and all their activities. They thought the world of him, and he would travel any distance to see them. The word “no “ was not in his vocabulary when it came to his grandchildren. Jack made a true impact on a countless number of lives. His personality was one of a kind, and his legacy will live on through so many people. We are all better for knowing him, and he will be truly missed. Those left to carry on his legacy include his loving wife, Bennie; daughter, Lisa Ruley & husband Jason of Dripping Springs, TX; son, Darin Kapella & wife Ashley of Bentonville AR; daughter, Marcy Taylor & husband Ross of Mansfield TX; grandchildren, Blake Taylor, Sloane & Morgan Ruley, and Greer & Collin Kapella; three brothers, Jim Kapella & wife Shirlee of Hot Springs AR, Bill Kapella & wife Lindsey of Oklahoma City, and Tom Kapella & wife Karen of Siloam Springs AR; one sister, Mary Kapella of Edmond; sister-in-law, Gwen Weber & husband Joe of Purcell; brothers-in-law, Larry Burns & wife Karen of Nampa ID, Barry Burns & wife Vickie of Lindsay, and Bob Burns & wife Chris of Midwest City; numerous nieces and nephews, including Jody Weber & wife Stephanie of Norman, Matt Weber & wife Trish of Marlow, Stacy Goodin & husband Scott of Davis, Jessica Ross & husband Chris of Edmond, Catherine Tonseth & husband Drew of Edmond, as well as his lifetime friend, Rick Bachman & wife Judy of Oklahoma City. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his father & mother-in-law, Bernard & Davilene Burns; one sister, Phyllis Roberts; and one niece, Jamie Smith. A funeral mass will be held at 10:08 am, on Friday, August 12, 2022, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ardmore, with Father Kevin Ratterman officiating. Interment will follow at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore. Serving as pallbearers will be Jody Weber, Matt Weber, Jason Ruley, Ross Taylor, Darin Kapella, and Scott Goodin. Honorary bearers will be Blake Taylor, Collin Kapella and the 1969-1972 East Central University Football Players. The family will receive friends, Thursday evening, August 11, 2022, from 5-7PM, at Hale’s Funeral Home in Davis. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial donations be made to the Team Gleason Foundation, I AM ALS, or Good Shepherd Hospice of Ardmore. |
