John Alan “Jack” Kapella

John Alan “Jack” Kapella was born June 5, 1951, in Oklahoma City, to the late Frank John and Margaret (Gobel) Kapella. He died on Saturday, August 6, in Marietta, at the age of 71, following a lengthy battle with ALS. Jack and the former Ms. Bennie Gaye Burns were married on July 7, 1973 in Lindsay. This marriage was blessed with three children, Lisa, Darin, and Marcy.

Jack, known by most as “Mr. Kapella” or “Coach Kapella,” grew up in Midwest City, graduating from Midwest City High School, Class of 1969. After high school, he continued his education at East Central University, majoring in Education and playing football for the Tigers. Jack’s career in education included teaching, coaching, Athletic Director and serving as principal. Schools he was employed with included Carl Albert, Beaver, Midwest City, Seminole, Harrah, Davis and Marietta.

He is survived by his wife, Bennie; daughter, Lisa Ruley and husband Jason of Dripping Springs, TX; son, Darin Kapella and wife Ashley of Bentonville, AR; daughter, Marcy Taylor and husband Ross of Mansfield, TX; five grandchildren; three brothers, Jim Kapella and wife Shirlee of Hot Springs, AR, Bill Kapella and wife Lindsey of Oklahoma City, and Tom Kapella and wife Karen of Siloam Springs, AR; one sister, Mary Kapella of Edmond; sister-in-law, Gwen Weber and husband Joe of Purcell; brothers-in-law, Larry Burns and wife Karen of Nampa, ID, Barry Burns and wife Vickie of Lindsay, and Bob Burns and wife Chris of Midwest City; numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Bernard and Davilene Burns; one sister, Phyllis Roberts; and one niece, Jamie Smith.

A funeral mass was held on Friday, August 12, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church inArdmore, with Father Kevin Ratterman officiating. Interment followed at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Ardmore.

Serving as pallbearers were Jody Weber, Matt Weber, Jason Ruley, Ross Taylor, Darin Kapella, and Scott Goodin. Honorary bearers were Blake Taylor, Collin Kapella and the 1969 – 1972 East Central University Football players.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that memorial donations be made to the Team Gleason Foundation, I AM ALS, or Good Shepherd Hospice of Ardmore.

Services were under the direction of Hale’s Funeral Home of Davis.

Online condolences may be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.