September 20, 1964 – January 2, 2026
Johnathon “John” Cody Wohnoutka, also known to many as “Donkey,” passed away at his home on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the age of 61, following an illness he had bravely fought in recent months.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Oklahoma.
John was born on September 20, 1964, in San Jose, California, the second of six children born to Oleta and John Wohnoutka. In August of 1970, the family moved to Oklahoma. In December of 1980 they settled in Pink, Oklahoma. Though he was book smart, he faced challenges in school and repeated the seventh grade. During his teenage years, he attended Tecumseh High School, where he was active in FFA. He also took on responsibilities beyond his years, helping care for his younger siblings and working alongside his father, a carpenter, on various job sites.
In 1982, John enlisted in the United States Army before graduating high school and earned his GED while in service. He completed his basic training and Military Police training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. John served during the Cold War as a Military Policeman, including assignments stateside in Maryland and overseas in West Germany, where he guarded munitions from observation towers under demanding conditions. In recent years, he reconnected with fellow members of Bravo Battery, forming lasting friendships. The group and their spouses gather every other Labor Day weekend at Camp Courage in Minnesota.
While stationed at Fort Meade, Maryland, John met Barbra J Gruver, a fellow Military Police officer. The two were married on February 28, 1986, at the courthouse in Annapolis, Maryland. Shortly thereafter, John was honorably discharged from the Army and began a career as a correctional officer at the Howard County Detention Center in Jessup, Maryland. He was deeply passionate about his work and proud of his service.
On January 8, 1987, John and Barbra welcomed their daughter, Denisa Joanne Wohnoutka. Barbra later joined John as a correctional officer at the detention center in 1989. The family lived in several apartments before moving to a farmhouse in Lisbon, Maryland. Their family grew again with the birth of their son, Paul Timothy Wohnoutka, on January 5, 1994. Soon after, John and Barbra purchased their first home in Mount Airy, Maryland.
John was known for his ability to fix nearly anything. He had extensive knowledge of auto mechanics and often worked on his own vehicles as well as those of friends and coworkers. He also had strong construction skills, building projects around the home and helping friends with deck installations and other improvements.
A devoted father, John was actively involved in his children’s lives. He was once voted Most Valuable Parent in his son’s football league, an honor that meant a great deal to him. He was considered a true “man’s man,” enjoying bowling and pool leagues, and his pool team advanced to the national tournament in Las Vegas. John was also active in Liberty Baptist Church in Lisbon, Maryland.
In 2005, John and Barbra retired from the Howard County Detention Center and relocated to Clear Lake to be closer to Barbra’s parents. After the move, John remodeled their home, earned his CDL, and drove bus for the Clear Lake School District. He also drove charter buses for Windstar and assisted local farmers during corn harvest seasons.
John will be remembered for his work ethic, loyalty, mechanical skill, and dedication to his family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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