John Stanley NyeFort Worth, TX

John Stanley Nye, age 75, of Fort Worth, Texas, passed away on July 12, 2026. He was born on October 20, 1950 in Thermopolis, WY to Wayne and Virginia Nye.

John lived a life marked by his love and devotion to his family and friends. Putting his life story into words in the manner in which it deserves is an impossible task, but I ask that you join me as we journey a glimpse into the life of a man who was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend and whose presence brought comfort, laughter, wisdom, and strength to those around him.

John spent his formative years growing up in Thermopolis, WY and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1969. In high school he played football, basketball, participated in Student Council, and FFA where he was a state champion in dairy judging. With his high school diploma in hand, his goal was to head off to college. John started from very humble beginnings and college wasn’t a guarantee by any means. Thanks to the help of a close friend and a small scholarship, he had just enough money to enroll in his first semester at Panhandle State University. It was with pure will, grit, and perseverance that he made the most of his opportunity and ended up graduating from Panhandle State University in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences.

Shortly after graduation he met his future bride and life-long partner, Sherry. Just because he met Sherry, that didn’t mean he was with Sherry yet, as John still needed approval from Sherry's dad, Junior Labrier (aka, Tony). In rather short order, Tony was able to discern John's character, and just as importantly learned that he was a man who was more than capable of putting in a full day’s work, which is a non-negotiable skill in Tony’s world of cattle ranching. When John became part of the family, Tony didn't provide a long speech to welcome him. Instead, he handed him a pair of leather gloves. Without saying much, Tony quietly communicated everything John needed to know: If you’re going to join this family, you’ve got to be able to work. With Tony’s approval, John and Sherry were married on September 3rd, 1973, which means that this coming September they will have been married for 53 years! Through all the ups and downs, they stayed together to create a foundation of love and generosity that has influenced many, for which we are grateful.

After John and Sherry were married, he took his new bride up to Thermopolis, WY where they owned a feedlot for several years. Later, John worked for the Willard Wilson Herford Ranch in Wyoming. From there, John obtained a position as a Federal Meat Inspector in Goodell, OK, and after two years landed a banking position in Kingman, KS. In Kingman, John and Sherry started setting roots, both in terms of career, family, and friendships. Professionally, John served as a Vice-President at Farm Credit Union and Citizens State Bank in Kingman. He was actively involved in professional and civic organizations locally and throughout the state. John was President of the Kansas Ag. Bankers Association, and he was a part of the first class of KARL (Kansas Ag. Rural Leaders) where he traveled throughout eastern Europe sharing and learning about best practices in agriculture.

In 1995, John and Sherry moved to Texhoma, OK where John worked at Anchor Bank and then later as an insurance agent for Modern Moodman of America. As a Modern Woodman agent John received countless recognitions and honors. Adjacent to his professional career, John took pride in serving his community. He was an active member of the local Rotary Club and was recognized as Paul Harris Fellow, which recognizes exceptional service to the community. John served on the Texhoma School Board, the State of Oklahoma Board of Education, and was on the board of directors for several local banking and health care organizations. Additionally, John and Sherry spent many years

Outside of work, John was a sports enthusiast of all kinds. He enjoyed playing a multitude of sports including basketball, football, team roping, and fishing. For over 30 years, John participated in multiple levels of competitive sports. He proved himself to be quite an athlete, whether it was on the basketball court, football field, or in the rodeo arena. In the 1970’s he won two Team Roping Championships, serving as “Heeler” each time. As a parent and later as a grandparent, sports weren't just something Dad enjoyed; they were one of the primary ways he invested his people. John coached little league teams for Gary and his friends, and sixteen years later he coached Derrk and his friends. If we'd have let him, he probably would have coached his grandkids' little league teams as well! For the grandkids, he agreed to stay in the stands, but there wasn’t anyone else more invested in the games. He was known for using ice cream cones as recognitions and celebrations for goals/points scored. Grandpa was the original NIL deal! Of course, his friends were often a part of sports journey as well, whether attending the NJCAA tournament or rooting for the Broncos- especially when they were against the Chiefs! Finally, if he wasn’t at work or involved with sports, then he was most definitely at the ranch. He traded in his coat and tie for the wide-open spaces of the ranch with his hat, boots, rope, along with those leather gloves.

Above all, John loved his family deeply. He took great pride and joy in being a husband, brother, father, and grandfather. His family was always at the center of his life. John was the family stronghold and his taught us how to focus on what matters and how to show up for each other. He loved his daughter-in-laws, Beth and Brittany. They each held such a special place in his heart. Of all the many hats and numerous titles that John held over the years, the one that he loved the most was that of Grandpa. He loved his family so well, but his grandchildren brought out another side of him. One that we will cherish forever.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry; son Gary and his wife, Beth, children, Ella and Jacob; son Derrek and his wife, Brittany, children, Remi and Riggs; brother Barry, and wife Cindy, son Toby.

His celebration of life will be held on July 17, 2026 at 2:00 at Cheney Community Church in Cheney, KS. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor John by enjoying a good steak with a friend or loved one and maybe share “cheers” to a good man and a life well lived.

John Nye will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.