John Sunday

Vinita, OK - John J. Sunday, 94, died late Friday, November 2, 2007 at Veterans Regional Medical Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma. John was born August 27, 1914 at Eucha, Oklahoma to Levi Sunday and Charlotte A. "Sallie" (Cochran) Sunday. He grew up in the Eucha area and resided there most of his life. In 1941, John enlisted in the U.S. Army, becoming a PFC in the 28th Division, 3rd Army, 112th Company F. He served as a scout for his unit throughout France and Germany. On D-Day, his unit was to take Saint Low. During his service, John fought battles in Muelhauser, Sedan, Bond, Luxemborg and The Katrin Mountains. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Clusters for injuries sustained and distinguished service in the Ardennes and in Belgium. His unit was nicknamed the Bloody Bucket Brigade. He was also honored by the Cherokee Nation with the Medal of Patriotism. John was married to Ella Mae Starr on July 18, 1938 at Round Springs Church. Mrs. Sunday preceded her husband in death on June 29, 1991. Following the war, John joined the Civil Conservation Corps and worked in the Spavinaw area until he was able to attend OSU Tech in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to receive training as a Linotype operator in 1953. He worked for a newspaper in Arkansas until 1955, when he went to work for Eastern State Hospital in Vinita. He retired in 1976 as an Assistant Supervisor of the Work Crews. Since his retirement, John has enjoyed teaching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren music and pride in being a Cherokee. Until recently, he loved to play his fiddle for church, fundraisers or just sitting on the porch with his family. John was a member of the Vinita American Legion and was active in the Vinita Senior Citizens Center. Survivors are seven children, Johnnie Sunday of Chelsea, Oklahoma, Mary Whitehead of Arkoma, Oklahoma, Margie Scott of Vinita, Oklahoma, L.R. Sunday of Claremore, Oklahoma, Ronald Sunday of Vinita, Shirley Cook of Fort Myers, Florida and Billy Sunday of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; one brother, Henry Sunday of Claremore, two sisters, Eliza Hummingbird of Tahlequah, Oklahoma and Nellie Henson of California; 32 grandchildren; 58 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his wife; by his parents; by four children, Betty Williams, Mildred Carroll, Brewster Sunday and McKenzie Sunday; one brother, Jimmy Sunday; by a sister, Agnes Haire; by four grandchildren, Teresa Whitehead, Corky Whitehead, Darryl Scott and Levi John Sunday and by a great-grandchild, Skyler Sunday. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at Round Springs Church, near Eucha, Oklahoma with Rev. Rufus King officiating. Interment will be in Round Springs Cemetery under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home, Vinita. The family of John Sunday will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday, 6-7 p.m.

Service Details

Tuesday, November 6th, 2007 2:00pm, Round Springs Church

Interment Details

Round Springs Cemetery