John L. Obourn, Sr.

John L. Obourn, Sr. passed away at his home in Wray, Colorado on November 29, 2023, having recently celebrated his 91st birthday.  He was born November 4, 1932, in Janesville, Wisconsin to Amos and Ruth Obourn and was the older brother of Gerald Obourn.

John is preceded in death by his spouse Nikki who passed away in Wray in 2017 and son Jeff who passed away in Littleton, CO in March 2023. He is survived by his 2 sons John Jr. (Edwards, CO) and Bill (Littleton, CO) and grandchildren John, III, Austin, Thomas, Abigail, Margaret, Stuart and Alexandra.

John grew up in Janesville, attending Janesville Junior and Senior High School and graduated with the class of 1950.  He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated in 1954 with a B.S. degree in Economics.  While at U. of W., he participated in the Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC).  Upon graduation, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force and earned his pilots wings in February 1956.  He was promoted to the rank of 1st. Lt. and served the next two years in the Air Defense Command assigned to the 27th Aircraft Control and Early Warning Squadron, during which he earned recognition as a Korean War Veteran.  While attending the U. of W., he was a member of the school Crew rowing team and rowed in the 49th National Regatta at Marrietta, Ohio and was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

John spent his professional career in the investment business with companies such as Hamilton Management Corporation (presently Oppenheimer Management Co.), Westamerica Securities, Inc., E. F. Hutton, Inc., Dain-Bosworth Sullivan & Janus Management Company.

John was active in the Boy Scouts of America, the National Ski Patrol at Vail, Colorado, several Church Vestries of the Episcopal Church, and several bowling club groups.  John enjoyed watching football, especially his WI Badgers on Saturdays.  He also enjoyed playing basketball, golf, tennis, and skiing in his younger years.  Playing golf in Wray was one his favorite places to relax with friends.

John and Nikki moved to Wray in 1996.  He was a great “handyman” around the house and was active with wood working and repair projects. He enjoyed gardening, making wine, and cooking.  Upon moving to Wray, John was active on the Board of Directors of the WRAC, participated in the development of the Wray Aquatic Center, served as a member of the Wray High School District Endowment Board, was a member of the Wray United Methodist Church Advisory Board, participated in the local Homework House program for school children, was active in Rotary International and a “Paul Harris Fellow,” and tutored students needing help with Algebra and Geometry.

Cremation was requested with a Celebration of Life being held on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Wray United Methodist Church in Wray, Colorado with Pastor Lisa Nordan officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Wray United Methodist Church, 500 Blake Street, Wray, Colorado 80758.

Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.