John Merrill Waggoner was born on January 31, 1953 in Oklahoma City to parents Clay and Muriel Waggoner. John spent his childhood and youth living on Kerry Lane where he met many of his lifelong friends. At an early age John began working in the food service business which led him to Oklahoma State to major in Hotel and Restaurant Management following his graduation from John Marshall High School. John was a member of Beta Theta Pi men's fraternity where he served as chapter president his senior year. During his years in Stillwater he was the intermural wrestling champion for four years. He graduated from OSU with honors in 1974. After graduation John began working for the Steak and Ale corporation managing restaurants until he moved to Dallas to work in the corporate headquarters as manager of purchasing. John loved nature especially fishing and hunting, and he cherished the fellowship of his friends and co-workers. In 1983 at the young age of 30 John suffered anoxia while undergoing a routine knee surgery. The next 30 years John would spend his life in the care of his loving parents and Timber Ridge Neurorestorative Ranch in Benton, Arkansas. During these years John touched the lives of the many loving and dedicated people who worked with him. John will be remembered for his big laugh and playful sense of humor, his gentle spirit, and his kind demeanor. The Waggoner family can never express in words how thankful and grateful we are to these people who loved John and took him into their hearts. John was cared for by the Timber Ridge staff until his death on December 5, 2013. John is survived by his big brother Dennis and sister-in-law, Dana, of Escalante, Utah. His nephew Nate and wife Kris of Escalante, Utah and his niece Leah and her husband Brian of Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. John's family will forever love him and we hope that he will be remembered for his humanity and kindness.